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A    K 


-A. 


TRACT 


T     O     U     R     N 


A     L 


FRANCIS       A  S   B  U  R  Y3 

BISHOP 

OF      THE 

METHODIST-EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 

I    N 

AMERICA, 
From  Auguft'7,   1771,  to  December  29,  177S 


r 

o 
o 


VOLUME    I 


PHILADELPHIA: 


WklNTEfc    BY    JOSEPH     CRUKSHANK,    NO.    87,    HIGH-STREET 

SOLD    BY    JOHN    DICK1NS,    NO.    182,    IN    KACE- 

5TREET,    NEAR    SIXTH-STREET, 


SCHOOL  OF  RELIGION 
ADVERTISEMENT. 

WHEREAS  it  was  fir  ft  in- 
tended that  this  Journal  floould 
have  been  continued  in  the  Armi- 
man  Magazine^  and  the  Jale  of 
that  is  Jo  flow  as  to  render  its 
publication  very  irregular  and  pre- 
carious ;  it  is  therefore  thought 
moft  advifeable  to  publijb  this 
Journal  fcparately,  one  volume 
at  a  time.  But  as  it  would  be 
incomplete  without  taking  in  the 
f mall  part  which  xvas  printed  in 
the  Magazine,  we  hope  the  pur- 
chafers  of  the  Magazine  will  net 
be  offended  at  our  reprinting  that 
Jmall  part  in  this  volume ;  efpe- 
daily  as  the  whole  which  has  been 
expofed  to  public  view  is  included 
hi  about  jo  pages  of  this  volume, 


To   the  READER, 

TJ/'E  are  very  fenfible  of  the  probability  of  its 
being  remarked,  even  by  many  candid 
and  judicious  per fons ,  that  an  apparent  fame- 
nefs  runs  through  this  Journal.  The  objection 
however,  may  infome  degree  receive  a  reply, 
pojjibly  it  may  be  removed  altogether,  by  the 
following  confederations  : 

I.  This  Journal  contains  thefunple  exercifcs~ 
of  the  author's  mind  and  life,  in  the  way  of  a 
private  diary ;  there  having  been  no  intention 
for  many  years,  of  making  it  public  :  his  charge, 
as  well  as  labours  and  travels  having  become, 
lately,  more  extenfive,  he  looks  upon  hi mf elf  as 
■more  refponfible  than  before. 

II.  //  was  written  in  much  hafle. 

III.  To  tranferibe  and  drefs  it  up  with  great- 
er elegance,  would  fnaterially  alter  its  original 
defigns, 

IV.  A  brief hi/lory  of  Met  hod  if m  in  Ame- 
rica, may  be  communicated  through  this  medi- 
um. 

V.  Thofe  for  whom.it  is  chiefly  intended, 
are  plain  andfimple  people,  who  will  look  for 
nothing  elaborate  or  refined  ;  but  for  genuine 
exp  erience  and  naked  truth. 


T    II    E 

JOURNAL 

O    F 

FRANCIS    ASBURY, 

BISHOP    of    the    METHODIST-F.PJS- 

COPAL  CHURCH. 


ON  the  7th  of  Au.Tiifl:    I^yf,  the  conference 
began  at  Bnjf^f  in  England*    Before  this  I 
elf  for  half  a  year  drong  intimations  in  my 
mind,  that  I  mould  vifit  America  1  which  1  laid 

before  the  Lord,  being  unwilling  to  do  my  own 
will,  or  to  run  before  I  was  fent  During  this  time 
my  trials  were  very  great,  which  the  Lord,  I  be- 
lieve, permitted  to  prove  and  try  mt|  in  order 
to  prepare  me  for  future  ufcfulnefs.  At  the  con- 
ference it  was  propofed  that  fome  preachers  fhould 
go  over  to  the  American  continent.  I  [poke  my 
mind,  and  made  an  oiler  of  myfelf.  It  was  ac- 
cepted by  Mr.  Wijttf  and  others,  who  judged  I 
had  a  call.  From  Briftol  \  went  home  to  ac- 
quaint my  parents  with  my  great  undertaking, 
:hl  opened  in  as  gentle  a  manner  as  poffible. 
Though  it  was  grievous  to  ficfh  and  blood,  they 
oonfented  to  let  me  go.  My  mother  is  one  of 
the  tendered  parents  m  the  world:  but,  I  believe, 
(he  was  bleiTed  in  the  prefent  inftance  with  divine 
afii (lance  to  part  with  me.  1  vifited  mod  of  my 
friends  in  Stafford/hire^  Warwick/hire ,  and  Glou- 
ccjlerfhirC)  and  felt   much  life  and  power  among 

them. 


C    4.    } 

them,  Several  of  our  meetings  were  indeed  held 
in  the  fpirit  and  life  of  GOD.  Many  of  my  friends 
were  ftruck  with  wonder,  when  they  heard  of 
my  going,  but  none  opened  their  mouths  againft 
it,  hoping  it  was  of  GOD.  Some  wifhed  that 
their  Situation  would  allow  them  to  go  with  me. 

I  returned  to  Br'tjiol  in-  the  latter  end  of  Au- 
guft,  where  R.  W.  was  waiting  for  me,  to  fail 
in  a  few  days  for  Philadelphia,  When  I  came  to 
Bnjlol  I  had  not  one  penny  of  Kioney :  but  the 
Lord  foon  opened  the  hearts  of  friends  who  fup- 
plied  me  with  clothes  and  ten  pounds:  thus  I 
found  by  experience,  that  the  Lord  will  provide 
for  thofe  who  truft  in  him. 

On  Wednefciay,  September  2,  we  fet  fail  from 
a  port  near  Brijhl ;  and  having  a  good  wind  foon 
pnft  the  channel.  For  three  days  I  was  very  ill 
with  the  fea-ficknefs :  and  no  ficknefs  I  ever  knew 
was  equal  to  it.  The  captain  behaved  well  to  us. 
On  the  Lord's  day,  September  8,  Brother  W. 
preached  a  fermen  en  deck,  and  all  the  crew 
gave   attention. 

Thu.rfday  12th.  I  will  fct  down  a  few  things 
that  lie  on  my  mind.  Whither  a m  I  going  I  To. 
the  new  world.  What  to  do  ?  To  gain  honour  ? 
No,  it  I  knew  my  own  heart.  To  get  money  ? 
No,  I  am  going  to  live  to  GOD,  and  to  bring 
others  fo  to  do.  In  America>  there  has  been  a 
work  of  GOD  :  fome  moving  fir  ft  amongft  the 
Friends,  but  in  time  it  declined  :  likewife  by  the 
PrHbyterians,  but  amongft  them  alfo  it  decli- 
ned. The  people  GOD  owns  in  England,  are 
the  Methodifts.  The  doctrines  they  preach,  and 
th  discipline  they  enforce,  are,  I  beiieve,  the  pur- 
red of  any  people  now  in  the  world.  The  Lord 
has  greatly  bjeffed  thefe  doctrines  and  this  difci- 
pline  in  the  three  kingdoms  :  they  mull  therefore 

be 


(     5     ) 

.he  pleating  to  him.  If  GOD  does  not  acknow- 
ledge me  in  America,  I  will  foon  return  to  Eng- 
land. I  know  my  views  are  upright  now — May 
they  never  be  otherwife  ! 

On  the  Lord's-day,  September  16,  I  preached 
on  Acls  xvii.  30.     But  GOD  n  tarkfothall 

men  every  where  to  repent.  The  failors  behaved 
with  decency.  My  heart's  defire  and  prayer  for 
them  was  and  is,  that  they  may  be  faved  :  but  oh  ! 
the  deep  ignorance  and  mfenfibility  of  the  human 
heart  ! 

The  wind  blowing  a  gale,  the  fhip  turned  up 
and  down,  and  from  fide  to  fide,  in  a  manner  ve- 
ry painful  to  one  that  was  not  accuftomed  to  fail- 
ing :  but  when  Jefus  is  in  the  fhip  all  is  well.  O 
what  would  not  one  do,  what  would  he  not  fufTer, 
to  be  ufeful  to  fouls,  and  to  do  the  will  of  his  g 
Mafter  !  Lord,  help  me  to  give  thee  my  heart 
now  and  for  ever  ! 

Our  friends  had  forgotten  our  beds,  or  elfe  did 
not  know  we  mould  want  fuch  things  ;  (o  I  had 
two  blankets  for  mine.  I  found  it  hard  to  ! 
on  little  more  than  boards.  I  want  faith,  cou- 
rage, patience,  meeknefs,  love.  When  others 
fufFer  fo  much  for  their  temporal  intercity,  furely 
I  may  fuffer  a  little  for  the  glory  of  GOD,  and 
the  good  of  fouls.  May  my  Lord  preferve 
me  in  an  upright  intention  !  I  find  I  talk  more 
than  is  profitable.  Surely  my  foul  is  among 
iions.  I  feel  my  fpirit  bound  to  the  new  v. 
and  ray  heart  united  to  the  people  though  un- 
known, and  have  great  caufe  to  believe,  th 
am  not  running  before  I  am  fent.  The  more 
troubles  I  meet  with,  the  more  convinced  I  am, 
'that  I  am  doing  the  will  of  GOD. 

In  the  courfe  of  my  pafTage  I  read  Sef/ws  an- 

fwer  to  Rlijba  Cole,  on  the  fovereignty  of  GOD  : 

A  2  and. 


t    «    ) 

2nd,  I  think,  no  one  that  reads  it  deliberately,, 
can  afterwards  be  a  Calvinifl. 

On  the  Lord's-day,  September  22,  I  preached 
td the  fnip's  company  on  John  iii.  23.  but,  alas! 
they  were  infenfible  creatures.  My  heart  has  been 
much  pained  on  their  account.  I  fpent  my  time 
ohisny  in  retirement,  in  prayer,  and  in  reading 
the  Appeals,  Mr.  Be  Rentys  life,  part  of  Mr. 
Norris's  works,  Mr.  Edwards  on  the  work  of 
GOD  in  New-England,  the  Pilgrim's  Progrefs, 
the  Bible,  and  Mr.  IVepeys  fermons.  I  feel  a 
itrong  dehre  to  be  given  up  to  GOD,  body,  foul, 
time,  and  talents,  far  more  than  heretofore. 

September  30,  T  preached  to  the  (hip's  compa- 
ny again,  on  thefe  words,  To  you  is  the  word  of 
'his  falvation  fent.  I  felt  fome  drawings  of  foul 
rds  them,  but  faw  no  fruit.  Yet  dill  I  muft 
pro  on.  Whilfr.  they  will  hear,  I  will  preach,  as 
l  have  opportunity..  My  judgment  is  with  the 
Lord.  I  mml  keep  in  the  path  of  duty.  On  the 
6th  of  October,  though  it  was  very  rough,  I 
preached  on  deck  to  all  our  (hip's  company,  from 
thofe  very  important  words  in  Heb.  ii.  3.  How 
nail  we  tfc&pe  if  we  tit gleel  fo  great  falvation.  The 
Lord  enabled  me  to  fpeak  plainly,  and  Iliad  fome 
hopes  that  the  intereiting  truths  of  the  gofpel  did 
enter  into  their  minds.  I  remember  the  words 
of  the  wife  man,  In  the  'morning  fow  thy  feed,  and 
p%  the  evening  withhold  not  thy  hand.  As  to  my 
own  mind,  I  lo.  g  and  pray,  that  I  may  be  more 
fpiritual.  But  in  this  I  comfort  myfelf  that  my 
intention  is  upright,  and  that  I  have  the  caufe  of 
GOD  at  heart.  But  I  want  to  ftand  complete 
in  all  the  will  of  GOD,  holy  as  he  that  hath  cal- 
led me  is  holy,  in  all  manner  of '  converfation.  At 
times  I  can  retire  and  pour  cut  my  foul  to  GOD, 
feel   fome    meltings    of  heart.     My   fpirit 

mourns 


t     7     ) 

mourns,  and    hungers,  and  thirds    after  entire- 
devotion. 

October  13.  Though  it  was  very  windy,  I 
fixed  my  back  againft  the  mizen-mait,  and 
preached  freely  on  thofe  well-known  words,  Cor. 
V.  20.  No%u  then  vue  are  ambajjadors  for  Chrijl^  as 
though  GOD  did  befeech  you  by  us  :  ive  prav  you  M 
Chrijl's  Jieady  be  ye  reconciled  to  GOD.  I  felt  the 
power  of  truth  on  my  own  foul,  but  ilill,  alas  ! 
law  no  vifible  fruit :  but  my  witnefs  is  in  heaven, 
that  I  have  not  fhunned  to  declare  to  them  all  the 
co  infel  of  GOD.  Many  have  been  my  trials  in 
the  courfe  of  this  voyage,  from  the  want  of  a 
proper  bed  and  proper  provifions,  from  ficknefs, 
and  from  being  furrounded  with  men  and  women 
ignorant  of  GOD,  and  very  wicked.  But  all  this 
is  nothing.  If  I  cannot  bear  this,  what  have  I 
learnt  ?  O  I  have  reafon  to  be  much  afliamed  of 
many  things,  which  I  fpeak  and  do  before  GOD 
vid  man.  Lord,  pardon  my  manifold  defects  and 
failures  in  duty. 

October  27.  This  day  we  landed  in  Philadel- 
phia^ where  we  were  directed  to  the  houfe  of  one 
Mr.  F.  H.  who  kindly  entertained  us  in  the 
evening,  and  brought  us  to  a  large  church,  where 
we  met  with  a  confiderable  congregation.  Bro- 
ther P.  preached.  The  people  looked  on  us  with 
pleafure,  hardly  knowing  how  to  (hew  their  love 
Sufficiently,  bidding  us  welcome  with  fervent  af- 
fection, and  receiving  us  as  angels  of  GOD-  O 
that  we  may  always  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation 
wherewith  we  are  called  !  When  I  came  near  the 
American  more  my  very  heart  melted  within  me,. 
to  think  from  whence  I  came,  where  I  was  going, 
and  what  I  was  going  about.  But:!  felt  my  mind 
open   to   the  people,  and  my  tongue  loofe      t<: 

fpeak. 


(     8     ) 

fpeak.     I  feel  that  GOD  is  here  ;  and  find  plenty 
of  all  we  need. 

November  3.  I  find  my  mind  drawn  heaven- 
ward. The  Lord  hath  helped  me  by  his  power, 
and  my  foul  is  in  a  paradife.  May  GOD  Al- 
mighty keep  me  as  the  apple  of  his  eye,  till  all  the 
florms  of  life  are  pa  ft  !  Whatever  I  do,  wherever 
I  go,  may  I  never  fin  againfl  GOD,  but  always 
do  thofe  things  that  pleafe  him  ! 

Philadelphia,  November  4.  We  held  a  watch- 
night.  It  began  at  eight  o'clock.  Brother  P. 
preached,  and  the  people  attended  with  great  feri- 
oufnefs.  Very  few  left  the  folemn  place  till  the 
conclufion.  Towards  the  end,  a  plain  man  fpoke, 
who  came  out  of  the  country,  and  his  words 
went  with  great  power  to  the  fouls  of  the  people; 
fo  that  we  may  fay,  Who  hath  defpifed  the  day  of 
[mall  things  ?  not  the  Lord  our  GOD ;  then  why 
fhould  felf-important  man  ? 

November  5.  I  was  fent  for  to  vifit  two  perfons 
who  were  under  conviction  for  fin.  I  fpoke  a 
word  of  confolation  to  them,  and  have  hopes 
that  GOD  will  fet  their  fouls  at  liberty.  My 
own  mind  is  fixed  on  GOD  :  he  hath  helped  me, 
glory  be  to  him  that  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever. 

Tuefday,  November  6,  I  preached  at  Philadel- 
phia my  laft  fermon,  before  I  fet  out  for  New- 
Tork,  on  Rom.  viii.  3  2.  He  that  /pared  not  his  own 
Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  hoiv  fnall  he  not 
with  him  freely  give  us  all  things.  This  alfo  was 
a  night  of  powerto  my  own  and  many  other  fouls. 

November  7.  I  went  to  Burlingtan  on  my  way 
to  Torky  and  preached  in  the  court-houfe  to  a 
large,  ferious  congregation.  Here  alfo  I  felt  my 
heart  much  opened.  In  the  way  from  thence  to 
Tork  I  met  with  one  P.  V.  P.  who  had  heard 
jne  preach  at  Philadelphia,     After  fome  converfa- 

tion 


(     9     ) 

lion  he  invited  me  to  his  houfe  on  Staten-IJlanct-; 
and  as  I  was  not  engaged  to  be  at  York  on  any 
particular  day,  I  went  with  him  and  preached  in 
his  houfe.  Still  I  believe  GOD  hath  fent  me  to 
this  country.  All  I  feek  is  to  be  more  fpirituaf, 
and  given  up  entirely  to  GOI>,  to  be  all  devoted 
to  him  whom  I  love. 

On  the  Lord's-day,  in  the  morning,  Novem- 
ber ii,  I  preached  again  to  a  large  company  of 
people,  with  fome  enlargement  of  mind,  at  the 
houfe  of  my  worthy  friend  Mr.  P.  In  the  after- 
noon preached  to  a  ftill  larger  congregation  •,  and 
was  invited  to  preach  in  the  evening  at  the  houfe 
of  juftice  TV,  where  I  had  a  large  company  to 
hear  me.  Still  evidence  grows  upon  me,  and  I 
truft  I  am  in.  the  order  of  GOD,  and  that  there 
will  be  a  willing  people  here.  My  foul  has  been 
much  affecled  with  them.  My  heart  and  mouth 
are  open,  only  I  am  fliil  fenfible  of  my  deep  infuffi- 
ciency,  and  that  moftly  with  regard  toholinefs.  Jt 
is  true,  GOD  has  given  me  fome  gifts,  but  what 
are  they  to  holinefs.  It  is  for  ho^inefs  my  fpirit 
mourns.  I  want  to  walk  conftantly  before  GOD 
without  reproof. 

On  Monday,  I  fet  out  for  New-York,  and 
found  R.  B.  there  in  peace  but  weak  in  body. 
Now  I  muft  apply  myfelf  to  my  old  work,  to 
watch,  and  fight,  and  pray.     Lord  help  ! 

Tuefday,  13.  I  preached  at  York  to  a  large 
congregation  on  1  Cor.  ii.  2.  /  determined  not  to. 
know  any  thing  among  youfave  jfefus  Chrijl  and  him 
crucified,  with  fome  degree  of  freedom  in  my 
own  mind.  I  approved  much  of  the  fpirit  of  the 
people  :  they  were  loving  and  ferious  :  there  ap- 
peared alfoinfome  a  love  of  difcipline.  Though  I 
was  unwilling  to  go  to  York  fo  foon,  I  believe  ir  i$. 
all  weil4  and  I  ftill  hone  I  amtin  the  order  of  GOD. 


(      io     ) 

My  friend  B.  is  a  kind,  loving,  worthy  man,  truly 
amiable  and  entertaining,  and  of  a  child-like  tem- 
per. I  purpofe  to  be  given  up  to  GOD  more 
and  more,  day  by  day.     But  oh  !  I  come  fhort. 

Wednesday  14,  I  preached  again  at  Fork, 
My  heart  is  truly  enlarged,  and  I  knOvv  the  life  and 
power  of  religion  is  here.  O  how  1  wifii  to  fpend 
all  my  time  and  talents  for  him  who  fpilt  his 
blood  for  me  ! 

The  LordVday  18, 1  found  a  day  of  reft  to  mv 
foul.  In  the  morning  I  was  much  led  out  with 
a  facred  defire.  Lord,  help  me  again  ft  the  mighty. 
I  feel  a  regard  for  the  people,  and  I  think  the  Ame- 
ricans are  more  ready  to  receive  the  Word  than 
the  Englijh  :  and  to  fee  the  poor  negroes  fo  af- 
fected is  pleafing :  to  fee  their  fable  countenances 
in  our  folemn  afiemblies,  and  to  hear  them  fing 
with  chearful  melody  their  dear  Redeemer's  praifc, 
afFecled  me  much,  and  made  me  ready  to  fay, 
of  a  truth  1  perceive  GOD  is  no  re/petler  of  perfons. 

Tuefday  20, 1  remain  in  York,  though  unfatisft- 
ed  with  our  being  both  in  town  together.  I  have 
not  yet  the  thing  which  I  feek— a  circulation  of 
preachers  to  avoid  partiality  and  popularity. 
However,  I  am  fixed  to  the  Methodifl  plan,  and 
do  what  I  do  faithfully  as  to  GOD.  I  expect 
trouble  is  at  hand.  This  I  expected  when  I  left 
England,  and  I  am  willing  to  fuffer,  yea,  to  die 
fooner  than  betray  fo  good  a  caufe  by  any  means, 
It  will  be  a  hard  matter  to  (land  againfl  all  oppo- 
fition  as  an  iron  pillar  ftrong,  and  fteadfaft  as  a 
wall  of  brafs:  but  through  Chrift  itrengthening 
me,  I  can  do  ail  tilings. 

Thurfday  22.  At  prefent  I  am  dilTatisfied.  I 
judge  we  are  to  be  (hut  up  in  the  cities  this  win- 
ter. My  brethren  feem  unwilling  to  leave  the  ci- 
ties, but  I  think  Khali  flicw  them  the  way.   I  am  in 

trouble 


(  «   ) 

trouble,  and  more  trouble  is  at  hand,  for  I  am  de- 
termined to  make  a  ftand  againft  all  partiality.  I 
have  nothing  to  feek  but  the  glory  of  GOD,  no- 
thing to  fear  but  his  difpleafure.  I  am  come  over 
with  an  upright  intention,  and  through  the  grace 
of  GOD  I  will  make  it  appear  :  and  I  am  deter- 
mined that  no  man  (hall  bias  me  with  foft  words 
and  fair  fpeeches  :  nor  will  I  ever  fear  (the  Lord 
helping  me)  the  face  of  man,  or  know  any  man 
after  the  fleih,  if  I  beg  my  bread  from  door  to 
door  ;but  whomfoeverl  pleafeor  difpleafe,  I  will  be 
faithful  to  GOD,  to  the  people,  and  to  my  own 
foul. 

Saturday,  Nov.  24.  I  went  with  brother  S. 
and  brother  IV.  to  IVeJl-Chejltr,  which  is  about 
twenty  miles  from  New-Tcrk.  My  friends  wait- 
ed on  the  mayor  for  the  ufe  of  the  court-houfe, 
which  was  readily  granted.  On  the  Lord's-day 
morning  a  considerable  company  being  gathered 
together,  I  flood  up  in  the  Lord's  power ;  yea,  I 
felt  the  Holy  One  was  nigh.  I  judged  that  my  au- 
dience needed  to  be  taught  the  firit  principles  of 
religion,  fol  fpoke  from  thofe  words,  Noiv  he  com- 
mandeth  all  men  every  where  to  repent.  Seriouf- 
nefs  fat  on  the  faces  of  my  hearers,  and  the  pow- 
er of  GOD  came  both  on  me  and  them,  while  I 
laboured  to  ihew  them  the  nature  and  neceffity 
of  repentance  ;  and  the  proper  fubjecls  and  time 
for  it.  In  the  afternoon  the  congregation  was  i::- 
creafed  both  in  number  and  ferioufnefs  :  fome  of 
the  chief  men  of  the  town — the  mayor  and  others 
were  prefent.  I  delivered  my  thoughts  on 
thofe  words,  This  ishis  commandment :,  that  weJJ:ould 
believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son  Jefus  Chri/t,  and  love 
one  another.  I  felt  warmth  in  my  foul  while  I  fet 
forth  the  nature  and  necefiity  of  faith,  and  much 
enlargement  towards  my  hearera.     In  the  even- 


(    n    ) 

ingl  preached  at  one  M.'s,  at  a  place  called  Wefl- 
Farms,  to  many  perfons,  on  the  love  of  GOD. 
The  next  day  I  preached  at  Weft-Chefler  again  to  a 
large  company,  and  felt  a  fenfe  of  GOD  refling 
on  my  heart,  and  much  love  to  the  people.  Be- 
ing detained  another  day  by  the  roughnefs  of  the 
weather,  I  preached  another  fermon  on  this  text, 
Knowing  therefore  the  terrors  of  the  Lord,  we  per- 
fuade  men.  in  the  evening  we  went  to  the  may- 
or's where  v/e  lodged  that  night ;  and  the  next 
-day  at  noon  fet  out  for  Torh. 

The  LordVday,  December  2,  I  found  a  day  of 
reft  to  my  foul,  and  much  liberty  both  in  the  morn- 
ing and  evening  among  the^people.  O  that  I  may 
live  to  GOD  and  not  to  myfelf,  and  keep  myfelf 
free  from  all  worldly  entanglements. 

Saturday,  December  8,  As  Brother  B.  was  ftill 
^at  New-Tork,  I  thought  it  beft  to  make  another  vi- 
fit  to  Weft-Chef er.  I  fpent  the  evening  and  lodg- 
ed at  the  houfe  of  one  Dr.  W.  who  appears  tobe  an 
underftanding  man  in  the  things  of  GOD.  His 
wife  is  alfo  of  an  amiable  difpofition,  and  is  touch- 
ed with  a  fenfe  of  her  own  ftate  and  that  of  her 
neighbours.  I  fpoke  to  her  freely  of  the  willingnefs 
of  Chrift  to  fave  now,  but  unbelief  ilill  prevailed. 
The  next  morning  I  went  to  the  court-houfe  to 
preach,  but  the  noife  of  the  children  and  the  ill- 
behaviour  of  the  unhappy,  drunken  keeper,  caufed 
much  confufion.  In  the  afternoon  my  friend  M+ 
informed  me  that  the  door  of  the  court-houfe  was 
{hut  againft  me.  I  felt  myfelf  at  flrft  a  little  trou- 
bled, but  foon  after  a  tavern-keeper  gave  me  the 
offer  of  an  upper  room  in  his  houfe,  where  I  fpoke 
on  th  fe  words,  If  we  confefs  our  fins  he  is  faith- 
ful and  ]  nfl  to  for  give  us  our fins ,  and  to  cleanfe  us 
from  all  unrighteoufnefs.  The  power  of  GOD  was 
with  us,  and  many  of  the  vileft  of  thofe    prefent 

will, 


\    J3    ; 

will  I  truft  remember  it  as  long  as  they  live.  In 
the  evening  I  made  another  vrfit  to  Wef-Farms^ 
and  preached  there ;  and  my  heart  was  there  alfo 
touched  with  the  power  of  GOD.  I  lodged  that 
night  at  thenoufe  of  one  Mr.  0 — v.  After  flipper 
I  ailced  the  family  if  they  would  go  to  prayer.  They 
looked  at  one  another  and  laid,  there  was  need 
enough.  The  next  morning  when  I  ailced  a  blef- 
fing  before  breakfaft,  they  feemed  amazed.  I  told 
them,  they  wanted  nothing  but  religion.  The 
old  father  faid,  it  was  not  well  to  be  too  religious. 
The  fon  faid,  he  thought  we  could  not  be  too  good. 
I  foon  afterwards  took  my  leave  of  them,  and 
preached  in  the  evening  at  Eajl-Chsjler  to  a  few 
who  feemed  willing  to  hear,  on  thofe  words,  As 
for  me  and  my  houfey  ive  ivill  ferve  the  Lord.  I 
found  myfclf  ilraitened  and  fhut  up,  but  the 
Lord  knoweth  what  he  hath  to  do  with  me. 

Tuefday,   December    10,    I  rode  to    Neiu-Rc- 
chelle,  and  was  received  with    great  kindnefs  bv 
Mr.  D — e  and  his  family,  and  preached  there  to  a 
few.     The   next  day  alfo  I  preached   to  a  J 
company,  and  found  liberty,  and  believe  the  pow- 
er of  GOD    was   amonglt    us.     From  thence  I 
rode  to  Rye,  where  a  few  people  were  coi! 
together  to  hear  the    word  :  and   the   ncx'; 
preached  to  them  again.     On  Sunday  14,  I  rede 
back  to  Eaf-Chefer  and  preached  to  a  lai 
pany,  and  found  fome  facisfaclion  in  fpeaking  on 
The  one  thing  needful.     On  the  Lord's- day  I  preach- 
ed at    Neiv-Rochc!L?  in  the  church.      My  text  was 
Alt'  have  finned  and  come  Jhort  of  the  glory  of  GOD. 
I  felt  an  opening  and  was  fatisfied.     1   puhiifhed 
myfelf  to  preach  again  in  the  afternoon,  and  thofe 
who  had  moll  oppofed  me   before,  came  to   hear 
and  behaved  well,     in  the  evening  I  preached  in 
the  houfe  of  my  friend  Mr.  D.     The  next  day  I 
13  preached 


(     >4     ) 

preached  again  at  Mr.  D.'s,  and  on  Tuefday 
went  to  R)et  where  I  had  many  to  hear  me,  and 
felt  fome  freedom  of  fpirit.  The  next  day  I 
preached  at  Matrngck,  to  a  company  of  people 
who  at  firft  took  but  little  notice  of  the  worfhip 
of  GOD,  but  I  fruit  fome  of  them  felt  the  pow- 
er of  truth  in  their  hearts.  On  Thurfday  I  re- 
turned to  Torhy  and    found  my  friends  in  peace. 

Lord's-day,  December  22,  I  preached  to  a 
large  company  in  the  evening.,  and  felt  much  pow-_ 
er.  I  know  that  GOD  was  with  us  indeed,  yea, 
was  nigh  toblefs  the  people.  On  Chriftmas-day, 
we  had  a  very  comfortable  time.  On  Friday  the 
the  2  7  tli,  T  fet  off  with  two  of  my  friends  for 
Siaten-Ifland.  On  the  28th,  we  arrived  at  juf- 
tice  W?i%  where  we  were  entertained  with  the 
heft  his  houfe  afforded.  From  thence  I  went  to 
my  old  friend  V.  iVs,  who  received  me  with  his 
former  kindnefs,  and  eollec~ted  a  congregation 
for  the  evening,  to  whom  I  preached,  but  had  a 
violent  pain  in  my  head.  After  fervice  I  went  to 
bed,  and  was  very  ill.  However,  the  next  day, 
being  the  Lord's-day,  I  preached  in  the  morning 
and  alfo  in  the  afternoon  with  fome  freedom  of 
mind.  In  the  evening  I  returned  and  preached 
at  juftice  TF.'s.  Having  received  an  invitation  to 
preach  at  the  houfe  of  one  Mr.  W — d  at  the  eaft 
e.nd  of  the  Illand,  I  vifited  that  place  on  my  re- 
turn to  New- York,  where  I  had  a  comfortable 
time. 

On  Tuefday  we  arrived  in  New-York*  We 
have  been  favoured  here  with  a  very  folemn 
watch-night.     Many  felt  the  power  of  GOD. 

January  1,    1772.     I    find  that  the  preachers 
have  their  friends  in  the  cities,  and   care  not  to  * 
leave    them.     There    is    a    flrange    party-fpirit. 
For  my  part  I  dehre  to  be  faithful  to  GOD  and 

man. 


(    »s    ) 

man.     On  Thurfday  evening,  I  preached  my 
fermon,  for  a   time,    on    Tbejfl  v.  6.     Let  us  not 
Jleep  as  do  other \r,  but  let  us  watch  and  fa  fiber. 

On    Friday,  brother   S.  and  myfelf  ferout  for 
Weft-Farms^  and  I  preached  in  the  evening.     On 
the  Lord's-day  I  preached  at  brother  M — y's  at  half 
pad  nine,  in  Weft-Chefter  at    three,  and 
Farms  at  fix  in  the  evening.     A    perfon   in. 
me  much  kindnefs    at  Weft-Farms,  favouring 
with  a  man  and  horfe  all  the  time  I  was  there,  ac- 
knowledging the    word   came  home  to  lus  h 
and  that  he  was  wicked.     IvJy  friend   //—-/, 

a  Quaker,  fa  id  he  never  was  io  affected. 
next  day  I  went  to    Weft~C  at  had   c 

few  to  hear  me.     On   Wednefday  I  prea 
H — 1\  and  felt  much  divine  power  in   my  - 
and  an  opening  among  the  people, 
many  trials   in  my  own  mind,  but  fee!   dote 
> refill.     I  fee  the  traps  let  for  my  feet. 

Thurfday,  Ipreached  at  ZVs, 
live  people    to   hear,    and 
zealous.     On  Friday  I  went  to  Mmrnc     , 
large   congregation,  and  felt  the  divine  pr 
Many  of  the  people  alio  ft  it  t: 
and  funk  under    the  word  :   it 
the  hearts   of  the  people  \  but  feme  cont 
and  blafphemed.     I  believe  GOD  has  a 
do  among  the  people  in  this  place.     L 
me  faithful,  watchful,  humble,  holy,  an 
to  the  end.     Let  me  foonerchoofe  to  die  if. 
againft  thee   in  thought,  word, 

Saturday  13,  Ipreached  at  one  friend  B- 
wherc    many  attended  to    the  fcr 
a    willingnefs    to    hear.     On 
preaehed  at  iX's  at  ten  in  t: 

the  afternoon,  and  at  fix  in  the  evening.     Man'/ 
attended,  but  I  fear   few  felt  fuch 


(     '«     ) 

as  will  induce  them  to  leave  their  fins,  and  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come.  At  brother  H.'s,  on 
Monday  evening,  the  houfe  would  not  hold  the 
congregation  :  there  I  felt  liberty  and  power.  I 
hope  GOD  will  vifit  them.  I  have  had  many 
trials  from  Satan,  but  hitherto  the  Lord  hath  help- 
ed me  againfl  them  all.  I  {land  a  miracle  of 
mercy  !  O  that  I  may  always  be  found  faithful 
in  doing  his  will. 

OnTuefday  the  14th,  I  went  to  Rye  :  but  the 
people    here     are   infeufible.     They    cry     "  the 
church,  the  church."     There  are  a  few  Prefby- 
terians  ;   but    they  have   fullered   their    meeting- 
houfe  to  go  to  ruin,  and  have   loft  the  power  of 
religion,  11  they  ever   had  it.     I  was   not  a  wel- 
come meiTenger  to  this  people.     On  Wednefday 
the  15th  I  preached  at    two  in   the   afternoon   at 
Mairncck  with  fome    power,   and  in  the   evening 
returned,  preached  at  Rye  to  a   large  company, 
and  felt  my  Matter  near.    Thiirfday  1 6,1  was  ta- 
!  en  ill  with  a  cold  and  chill.    The  next  morning  I 
rode  to  New-City,,  but  the  cold  pinched  me  much. 
On  New-City  Ijlarul  a   congregation   was  aflern- 
bled  to  receive  me.     I   fpoke  to  them  with  fome 
liberty,  and  they  wiihedme  to  come  again.    A  wife 
old Calviniji hid,  he  might  experience  all  I  menti- 
oned and  go  to  hell.    Ifaid  Satan  experienced  more 
than  I  mentioned,  and  yet  is  gone  to  hell.      After 
preaching  I  rode  to  Mr.  i>.'s  though  in  much  pain. 
When  1  had  preached  there,  1  went  to  bed.     Du- 
ring the  whole  night  I  was  very  ill.     My  friends 
behaved  very  kindly,  and  endeavoured  to  prevail  > 
upon  me  to  (cay  there,  till  I  was  reftored :  but  my 
appointment  required  me  to  let  off  for  Eaft-Chef- 
ter,  where  I  preached  and  rode  near  eight  miles 
in  the  evening  to   New-Roehclle.     On  the  19th, 
the  LordVday,  I  preached  three  times,   though 

very 


(     t-7     ) 


very  ill.     Many  attended  and  I 
difappointing  them.     Monday   the  20th,   I 

to  iVs  Manor,  and  preached  there  at  noon, 
at  fix  in  the  evening  at  P.  B.'s  in  R 
next  day  I  rocle  to  Z)'s,  but  the  day  was  e 

I.     In   the  night  I  had   a   fore    throat, 
dirough    the   help  of  GOD  I  go  on,  and  ca 
;  tf  : 
"  No  crofs,  no  fu 
Only  let  all  my  heart  be  thin 
Tuefday  the  2  ift,I  preached  at  my  friend  D.' 
the  laft  time,  on  Thofe  things  tbn 

received,  and  heard,  and  j an  in 
The  people  feemed  deeply  affe&ed  under  tl 
In  the  morning  of  the  2  2d,  I  fet  cut  for  t 
City,  and  preached  therein  muchweaknei 

;  of  body,  and  in  the  evening  went  to  my  fi 
/Vs.    That  night  I  had  no  reft :  and  when  I 
in  the  morning,  the  pain  in  my  throat  v. 
On   the  23d,  I  came  in  a  covered 

1   iVs,  where  I  took  up  my  lodging,  I 

vj  to  go  any  farther.    I  then 
fician,  who  made  applications  to  my 
and  palate,   which  were  all  fwelled   and   i 
exceedingly.     For  fix  or  (even  days  I  could  nei 
cat  nor  drink  without  great  pain.     The 
feared  I  lhould  be  ftrangled,  before  a  difcl 
took  place :  but  my  GOD  orde 
I  am  raifed  up  again,  and  cannot  he! 
the   kindnefs   with  which  my  fi  ie 
as  if  I  had  been  their  own  brother. 
and  children  attended  me  day  and  ni 
greateft  attention.     Thus,  though  a  ftranger 
ftrange   land,  GOD  has  taken  care  of  me. 
the  Lord   remember  them  that  have  r\ 
cd  me,  and  grant  to  this  family  life  for  evei 
February  5,   1772.     Still   I  fctl  : 
B2 


(     '8     ) 

It  is  near  a  fortnight  fincel  came  tomy  friend  5/s» 
Dr.  W.  has  attended  me  in  all  my  illnefs,  and 
did  all  he  could  for  me  gratis.  Yeiterday  was 
the  firil  day  of  my  going  out.  I  went  to  IVefi- 
Ghejler  to  hear  a  friend  preach.  My  kind  friends 
o.  and  W.  brought  up  a  ileigh  from  York  on  Mon- 
day lad,  but  my  friends  at  this  place  would  not 
futfer  me  to  go  with  them.  In  the  courfe  of  my 
recovery,  I  have  read  much  in  my  Bible,  and  Ham- 
mind's  Notes  on  the  New-Teitament.  I  have  alfo 
met  with  a  fpirited  piece  againlt  predestination. 
]  did  not  expect  to  find  fuch  an  advocate  for  gene- 
ral redemption  in  America.  This  day  I  ventured 
to  preach  at  Mr.  A.  2>.'s  to  his  family,  and  a  few 
other  people.  In  the  evening  returned  home, 
;md  found  Mr.  JD.  L.  the  former  governors  fon, 
there  ;  who  lives  in  the  woods  near  Salem,  and 
invited  me  tp  his  houfe.  "We  fpent  the  evening 
comfortably  together.  On  Thurfday  February  7, 
I  preached  as  I  had  appointed,  the  man  of  the 
houfe  being  in  a  confuaiption.  Though  I  had 
not  many  people  to  hear  me,  yet  I  feave  reafon 
1  )  hope  that  my  fermon  did  good  to  the  poor  in- 
valid.  I  felt  affected  for  my  friends  in  this 
place,  who  had  been  in  fome  meafure  moved  by 
the  word  on  my  former  vifits,  but  are  now  re- 
turned to  their  old  ways  and  company.  I  found 
myfelf  weak  and  unfit  to  preach,  but  believe  there 
"Were  fome  who  felt  the  word  come  ciofe  to  their 
hearts.  May  GOD  help  them  to  profit  by  it ! 
On  Friday  the  8th,  I  fet  out  for  York  in  a  ileigh, 
and  my  friends  feemed  glad  to  fee  me.  I  want  to 
be  lefs  concerned  about  anything  except  my  own 
work,  the  falvation  of  fouls.  At  prefent  I  feem 
determined  to  confecrate  my  all  to  GOD;  body, 
foul,  time,  and  talents. 

On    the  Lord's-dav   found   myfelf  weak,  but 

brother 


(     '9     ) 

brother  P.  being  ill,  I  preached  in  the  morning, 
and  found  life.  Stayed  at  home  on  Monday,  and 
read  in  Mr.  TVeJlefs  Notes  on  the  Old-Tcftament. 
On  Monday  the  nth,  I  went  to  the  gaol,  and 
vifitcd  a  condemned  criminal,  and  preached  to 
him  and  others  with  foirte  tender  feelings  of'nind, 
onthofe  words,  Joy  foal  I  bein  heaven  overonefmner 
that  rcpenteth.  Tuefday  the  1 2th.  This  day  I 
have  vifited  many  of  my  friends  from  houfe  to 
houfe,  and  did  not  find  much  evil  or  much  good 
ftirring among  them.  Now  I  retire  to  hold  com- 
munion with  GOD,  and  to  feel  his  power 

In  the  evening  my  ftrength  increafrd,  and  I 
preached  with  fome  freedom.  On  Wednefday  I 
walked  out,  but  caught  cold,  and  returned  home 
chilled  and  very  ill.  In  the  evening  when  I  went  into 
the  pulpit,  my  every  limb  (hook  ;  and  afterwards 
went  to  bed  with  violent  pains  in  my  bones.  The 
ficknefs  continued  for  three  days,  and  kept  me  at 
home  for  above  a  week.  On  Thurfday  the 
2oth,  I  gave  an  exhortation  in  public.  Having 
a  defire  to  vilit  my  friends  on  Statai-If.and>  I  fet 
oiTin  the  afternoon  of  the  2  ill,  contrary  to  the 
pcrfuafions  of  my  friends  in  York.  S.  S.  who  was 
tender  toward  me  in  my  illnefs,  and  took  care  of 
me  as  if  I  had  been  his  father,  accompanied  me. 

Juftice  IF.  received  us  and  entertained  us 
kindly:  and  though  weak  and  weary,  I  preached 
at  P.  V.  P.'s  to  a  few  perfons  with  much  fatisfac- 
tion.  Mr.  D.  invited  me  to  preach  in  his  houfe, 
to  which  I  confented  ;  and  Juftice  IV.  fent  us 
there  on  the  Lord's-day  withfeveral  of  his  family. 
I  preached  twice  at  that  gentleman's  houfe  to  a 
large  company.  Some  it  appeared  had  not  heard 
a  fermon  for  half  a  year,  fuch  a  famine  there  is  of 
the  word  in  theie  parts,  and  a  (till  greater  one 
of  the  pure  word.     1  returned  in  the  evening  to 

Juilice 


{      feo     ) 

Juiiice  W.'$>  and  preached  to  a  numerous  congre- 
gation with  comfort.  Surely  GOD  fent  me  to 
thefe  people  at  the  firft,  and  I  trull  he  will  conti- 
nue to  blefs  them,  and  pour  out  his  Spirit  upon 
them,  and  receive  them  at  lad  to  himfclf !  Feb. 
23,  I  preached  again  at  Jufticc  JF.'s  to  many  peo- 
ple, and  the  Lord  was  with  me*  My  labours  in- 
creafe,  and  my  furength  is  renewed.  Though  I 
came  here  weak,  yet  after  preaching  three  times 
I  felt  rrryfelf  ilrong  *,  thanks  be  to  GOD,  who  hath 
raifed  me  up  from  fo  low  a  {late.  On  the  24th,  I 
preached  at  A.  W.'s,  at  two  in  the  afternoon,  to  a 
large  company,  and  had  an  invitation  to  go  to 
the  fouth  part  of  the  ifland  :  in  the  evening  alfo  I 
preached  at  the  fame  place.  On  the  26th,  I 
preached  at  the  ferry,  on  my  way  to  New-Tort, 
to  a  few  people,  though  fome  came  two  miles  on 
foot.  After  preaching  I  vifited  a  young  man  who 
ftemed  to  be  at  the  point  of  death:  he  was  full 
of  unbelief,  and  I  fear  it  was  through  his  Calvin- 
iftic  notions. 

Thurfday  the  27th,  we  arrived  in  Fork,  I  found 
brother  P.  had  fet  off  for  Philadelphia  in  the  morn- 
ing. In  the  evening  I  met  the  fociety,  and  felt 
myfelf  affifted  and  enlarged.  At  night  I  flept 
with  holy  thoughts  of  GOD,  and  awoke  with  the 
fame,  thanks  be  to  GOD. 

After  having  preached  in  a  large  upper  room, 
at  Mr.  2V8  in  Atnboy,  where  many  came  to  hear, 
and  I  was  much  favoured  in  my  own  foul;  an  inn- 
keeper invited  me  to  his  houfe,  and  was  kind 
enough  to  defire  that  I  would  call  on  him  when  I 
eauie  again. 

Friday  27.  I  fet  off  on  a  rough-gaited  horfe,  for 
Burlington  ;  and  after  being  much  fhaken,  break- 
failed  at  Spotjkuood ;  fed  my  horfe  again  at  Crofs- 
vrie&s,  and  then  thought  topufti  on  to  Burlington  1 

but 


(       21       ) 

but  the  roads  being  bad,  and  myfelf  and  horfe 
weary,  I  lodged  with  a  Qu_aker,  on  whom  I 
called  to  enquire  the  way.  He  not  only  invited 
me  to  tarry  all  night,  but  aifo  treated  me  with 
great  kindnefs.  The  next  day  I  rode  to  town  ve- 
ry weary  ;  and  on  the  Lord's-day  preached  in  the 
court-houfe  to  many  hearers. 

Monday  30.  After  riding  to  New-milts,  in 
company  with  fome  friends  in  a  waggon,  I 
preached  in  a  Baptift  meeting-houfe,  and  was 
kindly  received. 

Tuefday  31.  Finding  the  people  were  divided 
among  themfelves,  I  preached  from  thefe  words, 
This  is  his  con  */,  that  we Jbould  believe  en 

the?;..  ..;  Ghrifl,  and  hve  one   ano- 

ther; and  humbly  hope  my  labour  was  not  in 
vain.     The  fame  night  we  came  to  Burlington. 

April  2.  I  came  to  Philadelphia,  and  finding 
brother  B.  and  brother  IV.  there,  was  much 
comforted.  Brother  B.'s  plan  was,  that  he 
ihou Id  go  to  Bojion  i  brother  P.  to  Virginia; 
to  York  ;  and  that  I  ihould  ilay  three 
PL  .     With  this  I  \. 

pleafed. 

Friday  4.  We  dined  with  Mr.  R.  who  cannot 
keep  negroes  for  confeience  fake  :  and  this  was  a 
topic  of  cur  cenverfation. 

Saturday  5.  This  morning  my  mind  was  com- 
ue. 

April  7.  In  the  evening  I  preached  to  a  very 
large  audience  in  the  church,  after  preaching  in 
the  day  to  many  poor  mortals  in  the  Bettering- 
houfc* 

April  8.  Set  out  for  Bohemia  to  find  Mr.  TV. 
(who  had  been  at  his  own  difcretion)  that  he 
might  wait  on  Mr.  B.  in  order  to  go  to  Tori  for 
five  months.     Stopping  at  Mrs.   JV.'s  in  Chejler, 

to 


(       2*       ) 

to  feed  myfelf  and  my  horfe,  I  enquired  about 
preaching  rn  that  town,  and  found  this  to  be  the 
houfe  where  Mr.  B.  and  Mr.  P.  put  up;  and 
that  the  people  were  pleafed  with  Methodtft 
preaching.  After  leaving  word  that  I  would 
call  to  preach  there  on  my  return,  I  fet  off  for 
Wilmington^  expe&ing  to  meet  Mr.  W.  there  % 
but  we  accidentally  metjuft  as  he  was  turning  off 
to  Mr.  5~.'s  for  lodging,  about  four  miles  from 
the  town.  He  feemed  glad  to  fee  me,  and  willing 
to  be  fubjecl;  to  order. 

The  next  morning  Mr.  TV.  went  on  his  way 
to  Philadelphia.  Having  a  defire  to  go  and  fee 
and  hear  how  things  went,  I  defired  him  to  call 
and  preach  at  Che/Ier ,-  and  I  proceeded  to  the 
houfe  of  Mr.  S.  a  friend  of  the  Methodifts;  and 
then  rode  on  to  Neweaftk}  and  ft  opt  at  the  houfe 
of  brother  F.  a  tavern-keeper,  but  a  good  man. 
Preached  there  to  a  few  people,  but  met  with 
pppofition,  and  found  the  Methodifts  had  dotfe 
no  great  good.  The  couit-houfe  here  is  (hut 
againlt  us  ;but  it  isopen  for  dances  and  balls  :  and 
brother  F.  has  loft  his  company  by  receiving  us. 
However,  we  were  comforted  together. 

April  io.  Set  out  for  Bohemia ,  where!  found 
that  fome  mifchievous  oppofers  had  thrown  the 
people  into  confufion. 

I  have  had  fericus  thoughts  of  going  to  Balti- 
more ;  but  the  diftance  which  is  90  miles,  feems 
too  much  at  prefent. 

April  1  j.  Found  an  inattention  to  ftudy,  an 
unfettled  frame  of  mind,  much  infenfibiiity  of 
foul,  and  a  backwardnefs  to  prayer.  Lord  !  help 
me  with  an  aclive  warmth  to  move;  and  with  a 
vigorous  foul  to  rife. 

Vifited  an  old  man  who  was  fick,  with  whom 
I  had  forue  converfation,.  though  not  much  ;  but 

came 


(     *3     ) 

came  away  without  prayer  •,  and  was  juftly  blamed 
both  by  my  friends  and  myfelf.  I  would  have 
prayed  with  him,  but  two  men  came  in,  whofc 
countenances  I  did  not  like ;  and  therefore  ne- 
glected my  duty  through  the  fear  of  man.  I 
have  nothing  to  plead  to  palliate  myomiflion.  It 
is  true,  that  to  introduce  prayer  among  prayerlefs 
people  is  not  an  eafy  matter  •,  yet  this  is  no  excuie 
for  me.  Lord  !  forgive  both  my  fecret  and  open 
faults  ;  my  failings  of  omiffton  and  commiflion. 
help  me  to  have  refpect  to  all  thy  commandments; 
and  to  be  blamelefs  before  thee  in  all  things. 

Lord's-day  II.  Preached  to-day  at  my  friend 
H.'s,  as  alfo  the  evening  before.  The  houfe 
was  filled  both  before  and  after  dinner.  The  Lord 
gave  me  great  liberty  and  power ;  and  I  humbly 
believe  that  fome  trembled  under  the  word.  Oh, 
that  it  may  not  wear  off!  I  preached  from  thefe 
words,  The  wicked  JJjall  be  turned  into  hell,  and 
all  the  nations  that  forget  GOD.  After  defcribing 
the  wicked,  and  (hewing  wherein  they  forget 
GOD;  I  attempted  to  prove  the  torments  to  be 
real  and  eternal,  from  the  real  joys  and  duration 
of  heaven. 

Monday  12.  Vifited  E.  T.  and  faw  his  father, 
who  is  an  hundred  years  old,  or  more.  He  had 
lately  loll  his  wife,  who  was  younger  than  he  ; 
and  in  her  he  loft  his  nurfe  and  earthly  comfort. 

Tuefday  13,  was  advifed  and  invited  to  preach 
at  Wilmington ;  which  I  did,  though  there  were 
but  few  to  hear. 

Wednefday  14.  R.ode  to  Che/ler,  and  preached 
in  the  court-houfe.  The  church-minifter  and 
many  Quakers  were  prefent ;  but  the  congrega- 
,  tion  appeared  to  be  the  wildeil  I  had  feeri  in 
America.  But  I  humbly  hope  the  labour  was  not 
all  in  vain.     In  the  morning  I  vifited,  and  fpoke 

with 


(     »4     ) 

with  great  freedom  to,  four  men  who  were  under 
fentence  of  death. 

Thurfday  15.  I  rode  through  a  heavy  rain  to 
Philadelphia ,  and  preached  the  next  morning 
with  fome  freedom. 

Tuefday  20.  My  mind  is  quiet  and  ferene.  I 
am  now  free  from  company,  which  is  very  plea- 
fing  to  me,  having  found  that  much  company  is 
both  difagreeable  and  dangerous. 

Wednesday  21.  Met  the  fociety,  and  found 
both  life  and  liberty  among  the  people.  This 
ni;;ht  brother  TV.  came  in  from  Virginia.  He 
gives  a  flaming  account  of  the  work  there.  Ma- 
ny of  the  people  feem  to  be  ripe  for  the  gofpel 
and  ready  to  receive  us.  1  humbly  hope,  before 
long  about  feven  preachers  of  us  will  fpread  fe- 
ven  or  eight  hundred  miles,  and  preach  in  as 
many  places  as  we  are  able  to  attend.  Lord! 
make  us  humble,  watchful,  and  ufeful  to  the  end 
©f  our   lives. 

April  23,   Brother  TV.   fet  off  for  New-Tori. 

April  24.  I  preached  at  Philadelphia  with  free- 
dom and  power. 

April  25.  Preached  to  the  people  with  fome 
fbarpnefs.  In  the  evening  I  kept  the  door, 
met  the  fociety,  and  read  Mr.  TVeJJeys  epiflle  to 
them. 

Tuefday  28.  I  intended  to  go  out  of  town  ; 
but  ccuid  not  get  a  horfe.  So  I  flayed  for  bro- 
ther TV.  and  hearo  that  many  were  offended  at 
my  fhutting  them  out  of  fbciety-meeting,  as  they 
had  been  greatly  indulged  before.  But  this  does 
not  trouble  me.  While  I  fta-y  the  rules  muft  be 
afttended  \c\  and  I  cannot  fuffer  myfelf  to  be 
guided  by  half-hearted  Method iits.  An  elocrly 
Id  me  very  gravedy,  that  tk  the  opinion 
of  the  people  was  much  changed,  within  a  few- 
days, 


(     25     ) 

days,  about  Methodifm  :  and  that  the  Quakers 
and  other  diflenters  had  laxed  their  difcipline-j 
that  none  but  the  Roman-Catholics  kept  it  ur> 
with  ftri&nefs."  But  thefe  things  do  not  move 
me. 

Wednefday  20.  Set  out  for  Burlington^  where 
I  met  with  brother  W%  and  brother  K.  and  found 
the  people  there  very  lively.  Two  perfons  have 
obtained  justification    under  brother    IV.   and   a 

certain   Dr.   T /,  a   man  of  diffipation,   was 

touched  under  Brother  B.'s  preaching  lad  night. 
I  admire   the    kindnefs   of    my  friends  to  fuch  a 
poor  worm  as  me.     Oh  !   my    GOD  !  rcmc 
them  !  remember  me  ! 

Thurfday  30.  I  humbly    hope    the    word 
bled  to  a  large   number  of  people  who  attended 
while  I  preached  at  the  court-houfe. 

Set  out  for  Philadelphia  ;  but  about  a  mile  from 
the  city  found  that  the  bridge  could  not  be  crof- 
fed  on  horfeback  ;  f 0  I  left  my  horfe  and  walked 
to  the  feny.  Brother  W,  took  the  hcvie  and 
went  to  Burlington^  on  his  way  to  York.  Was 
defired  to  attend  the  execution  of  the  prifoners 
at  Che/lev,  and  J.  K.  went  with  me.  We  found 
them  penitent  ;  and  two  of  the  four  obtained 
peace  with  GOD,  and  feemed  very  thankful.  I 
preached  with  liberty  to  a  great  number  of  people 
under  the  gaol  wall.  The  Sheriff  was  fri.. ; 
and  very  kind.  J.  K.  preached  at  the  gallows 
to  a  vail  multitude;  after  which  I  prayed  with 
them.  The  executioner  pretended  to  tie  them 
all  up,  but  only  tied  one  and  let  the  reft  fall. 
One  of  them  was  a  young  man  about  15.  Wc 
faw  them  all  afterwards,  and  exhorted  them 
to  be  careful.  We  returned  to  Philadelphia  the 
fame  night,  and  I  gave  an  exhortation. 

Tuefday,  May  5.     Set  out  for  Burlington  again, 
C  and 


(  rf  ) 

and  preached  to  a  ferious  people.  But  how  is  my 
foul  troubled  that  I  am  not  more  devoted  !  O  my 
GOD  !  my  foul  groans  and  longs  for  this. 

May  6.  My  heart  was  much  humbled;  but  the 
Lord  enabled  me  to  preach  with  power  in  my 
foul. 

Thurfday  7.  Vifited  fome  prifoners  ;  and  one  of 
them  who  is  to  be  tried  for  his  life,  feemed  much 
affceled.  In  the  evening  I  preached  and  felt 
my  heart  much  united  to  this  people.  Next 
morning,  fet  off  for  Philadelphia  ,•  and  got  in  time 
enough  for  intercefhon  ;  after  which  I  vifited  a 
fick  friend,  who  refted  her  foul  on  GOD  ;  and 
then  I  preached  in  the  evening. 

Sunday  10.  Preached  in  the  morning  •,  attend- 
ed two  places  of  worfhip  in  the  day  ;  preached 
again  at  night ;  and  had  a  comfortable  time  in 
meeting  the  fociety. 

Monday  11.  Was  much  ftirred  up,  and  found 
an  increafe  of  life  in  vifiting  the  fociety  ;  and 
then  preached  in  the  evening. 

Tuefday  12.  Set  off  for  the  Jerfeys.  My  mind 
enjoys  fweet  peace  and  the  love  of  GOD.  It  is 
my  deiire  to  be  entirely  devoted  to  GOD,  who 
opens  the  hearts  of  the  people  to  receive  me,  and 
my  heart  to  deliver  his  counfel  to  them. 

Wednefday  13.  Preached  at  3  o'clock  on  Be- 
hold  Ifiand  at  the  door  and  knock.  Oh  !  what  a 
time  of  fatisfaction  and  power  was  this  to  my  own 
foul.  Went  afterwards  to  Mr.  27s,  and  many 
friends  came  at  8  o'clock,  when  I  was  enabled  to 
preach  with  life. 

Thurfday  14.  Went  to  the  new  church.  Sure- 
ly the  power  of  GOD  is  amongft  this  people. 
After  preaching  with  great  aflittance,  I  lodged  at 

J — c  J /s,  and  in  the  morning  he  conducted 

me  to  Gloucejler;  and  thence  we  went  by  water 

to 


(    -7     ) 

to  Philadelphia.    Here  I  found  a  change.    Brother 

P e  was  come,  and  the  houfe  was  given  up  ; 

which  pleafed  me  well,  as  it  was  a  burden  to  the 

people.       Brother   P e  went  to   Mr.    JF.'s, 

and  I  went  to  Mr.  W—rs.     On  Friday  night  I 

was  heavily  afflicted;  and  dear  fitter  W- r  rook 

great  care  of  me.  The  next  morning,  through 
the  mercy  of  GOD,  I  was  fomething  better,  and 
preached  in  the  evening. 

Lord's-day  i  7.  After  preaching  in  the  morn- 
ing  I  went  to  fee  G.  H.  who  was  near  to  eternity- 
lie  had  peace  in  his  foul. — Some  flight  me  in  this 
place  on  account  of  my  attention  to  disciplines 
and  fome  drop  off.  But  my  work  is  to  pleafe 
GOD 

Tuefday  19.  Went  about  16  miles  into  the 
country,  and  preached  at  11  o'clock  with  energy 
of  foul.  A  Prefbyterian  miniller,  who  attended 
my  preaching  this  morning,  accompanied  me  part 
of  the  way  back.  We  converfed  by  the  way,  on 
the  evidences  of  religion,  the  work  of  GOD,  and 
fending  out  preachers. —  This  morning  I  arofe 
with  more  fpiritual  flrength,  and  felt  a  great  de- 
fire  to  do  the  will  of  GOD  with  all  purity  of  in- 
tention, defire,  and  thought ;  that  in  all  thi 
G^:D  may  be  glorified  through  Jefus  C'arift., 

Wednesday  20.  Went  to  Trenton,    but   as  the 
court  was  fitting,  I  was  obliged  to  preach   in  a 
fchool-houfe  to  but  few  people;  and  as  there 
foldiers  in  the  town,  I  could  hardly  procure  lodg- 
ing. 

Thurfday  2r.  Preached  on  the  ether  fide  of 
the  river  to  a  fewfimple  people ;  and  in  the  even- 
ing at  Burlington,  where  the  congregation  was 
alio  fmall  on  account  of  the  fair. 

Friday  22.  In  the  morning  I  rode  home  in 
great  pain  ;  but  after  dinner  went  10  miles  down 
the  river. 


(     28     ) 

Sunday  24.  We  rode  down  to  Greenwich,  where 
I  preached  at  10  o'clock  to  near  300  people  col- 
lected from  different  parts  ;  we  then  rode  back 
to  friend  P — 's  where  we  dined;  and  thence  to 
Gloucejler,  which  made  near  15  miles.  I  preach- 
ed there  at  three  o'clock  to  about  200  people,  and 
then  went  up  the  river  in  a  boat  to  Philadelphia, 
where  I  preached  at  7  o'clock. 

Monday  25.  Was  unwell  but  went  to  Burling- 
icn>  and  preached  in  the  evening  though  very 
fick. 

Tuefday  26.  Found  myfelf  very  unwell  in  the 
morning  ;  but  vifited  a  prifoner  under  fentence  of 
death,  and  ftrove  much  to  faften  conviction  011 
his  heart.  Through  the  mercy  of  GOD,  I  hope 
the  poor  man  was  humbled. 

Wednefday  27,  Went  to  New-mills,  where 
I  preached  at  4  o'clock  \  and  again  at  10  o'clock 
the  next  morning. 

Friday  29.  I  preached  under  the  gaol  wall  \ 
and  for  the  benefit  of  the  prifoner,  attended  him 
to  the  place  of  execution.  When  he  came  forth 
he  roared  like  a  bull  in  a  net.  He  looked  on  eve- 
ry fide,  and  fhrieked  for  help  ;  but  all  in  vain. 
O  how  awful  !  Die  he  mud.  I  fear  unprepared. 
J  prayed  with  him  and  for  him.  How  difficult 
it  is  (if  I  may  ufe  the  term)  to  drench  a  hardened 
firmer  with  religion  !  I  faw  him  tied  up  ;  and  then 
ftepping  on  a  waggon,  I  fpoke  a  word  in  feafon, 
and  warned  the  people  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come,  and  improve  the  day  of  their  gracious  vi- 
sitation, no  more  grieving  the  Spirit  of  GOD, 
left  a  day  mould  come  in  which  they  may  cry, 
and  GOD  may  refufe  to  hear  them.  We  then 
rode  home  to  Philadelphia,  where  I  exhorted  in 
the  evening,  and  found  myfelf  much  more  drawn 
cut  than  I  expected. 

Lord's-day 


(     *9    ) 

LordVday  31.  Preached  morning  and  evening 
with  4b me  life  j  but  found  that  offences  increafed. 
However,  I  cannot  help  it.  My  way  is  to  go 
ftraight  forward,  and  aim  at  what  is  right. 

June  I.  Preached  this  morning  at  5  o'clock;, 
and  this  day  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Wijley^  and  experien- 
ced a  great  degree  of  purity  in  my  foul. 

Tuefdav  2.  Rofe  this  morning  between  4  ana  5. 
and  was  much  quickened  in  preaching;  then  went 
to  Haddonfield  about  noon— Satan  affaulted  me 
this  day,  but  the  Lord  helped  and  delivered  me, 
for  his  mercy  and  truth's  fake,  and  granted  me 
life  in  my  foul. 

Wednefday  3.  Preaching  at  5  at  Manta  creek  I 
v/as  favoured  with  an  opening  and  great  power. 
After  preaching  there,  about  100  people  went  to 
Mr.  TVs,  one  and  an  half  mile  off,  and  there 
alfo  I  preached  with  life. 

Thurfday  ^.  At  Greenwich  I  was  weak  in  body, 
but  had  fome  liberty  in  preaching  to  about  200 
willing  people  ;  but  at  Gloucejler^  1  preached  only 
to  a  few  dead  fouls,  from  this  (hiking  pafTage — 
'The  ivor d  preached  did  not  profit  iht  m,  net  being 
mixed  with  faith  in  them  that  heard  it.  I  mult 
obferve,  that  in  this  journey  I  have  been  kept  in 
peace,  and  had  more  freedom,  life,  and  power, 
than  I  ever  experienced  in  the  city. 

Saturday  6.  Sailing  4  miles  up  the  river,  I 
came  to  Philadelphia  in  great  comfort. 

Lord's-day  June  7.  After  preaching  in  the 
morning,  I  was  at  the  table  with  Mr.  S,  and 
many  felt  the  power  of  GOD,  though  I  felt  but 
little  myfelf.  We  had  a  love-feaft  to-day,  and 
feveral  could  teftify  that  GOD  was  with  us  :  fome 
of  our  Jerfey  friends  fpake  of  the  power  of  GOD 
with  freedom. 

Monday 
C  2 


(     3°     ) 

Monday  8.  With  much  difagreeable  company 
I  fet  off  for  Trenton,  where  many  felt  the  (Uvine 
power  accompanying  the  word  preached. 

Wednefday  i  o.  After  preaching  on  the  other 
fide  of  the  river,  I  returned  to  Philadelphia  and 
preached  in  the  evening. 

Thurfday  n.  Set  off  in  the  ftage  for  Brijlol, 
and  croffed  the  water  to  fee  a  man  fufpected  of 
murder  j  but  found  him  very  ignorant  of  things 
relating  to  his  foul ;  I  then  returned  to  Philadel- 
phia very  unwell. 

Friday  12.  I  was  a  little  better,  and  rofe  to 
preach  at  5  o'clock.  The  Lord  was  with  me  this 
day  at  intercefhon. 

Saturday  13.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped. 
Praifed  be  his  dear  name. 

LordVday,  June  14.  After  preaching  in  the 
morning  with  fome  freedom  of  mind,  I  went  to  St. 
Paul's,  and  afterwards  fpent  the  afternoon  in  my 
room  ;  then  preached  and  met  the  fociety  in  the 
evening  -,  but  felt  great  drynefs,  and  was  grieved 
to  fee  fo  much  conformity  to  the  world,  in  the  ar- 
ticle of  drefs  among  our  people. 

Tuefday  16.  Set  off  for  Burlington  ;  and  though 
weak  and  infirm,  I  preached  at  night  with  liber- 

Wednefday  1 7. 1  bent  my  courfe  for  New-mills s 
but  ftill  groan  for  more  life,  and  want  to  be  more 
holy. 

Thurfday  18.  After  preaching  twice  at  New- 
mills  with  great  liberty  and  life,  I  returned  to 
Burlington ;  but  was  very  ill  that  night ;  and 
though  quite  unwell  the  next  morning,  yet  pro- 
ceeded on  my  way  to  Philadelphia. 

Lord's-day_,  June  21.  Finding  myfelf  much 
recovered  I  preached  with  fome  animation. 

Monday 


(     31     ) 

Monday  22.  This  day  my  heart  was  in  deep 
exercife. 

Tuefday  23.  Walked  down  to  Gloucefier-po'mt, 
and  then  rode  to  brother  C.'s  ;  and  though  very 
weak,  weary,  wet,  and  low,  while  it  rained  very 
hard,  I  preached  with  fome  power  to  many  peo- 
ple from  thefe  words — As  the  rain  csmeth  downy 
and  t  he  f now  from  heaven,  and  returneth  not  t hit  her 9 
but  watereth  the  earth,  and  maheih  it  bring  forth 
and  bud,  that  it  may  give  feed  to  the  fower,  and 
bread  to  the  eater ;  J'o  jhall  my  word  be  that  goeth 
firth  out  of  my  mouth  ;  itjhalt  not  return  unto  me 
void,  but  it  jhall  accompli/!)  that  which  I pleafe,  and 
itfhall  profper  in  the  thing  whereto  I  fend  it. 

Wednesday  24.  At  Greenwich,  1  met  with  Mr.- 
S.  who  preached  and  baptized  feveral  people  that 
feemed  deeply  affecled.  We  then  rode  together, 
and  had  fome  converfation  on  the  infult  which 
Mr.  S—y  had  given  Mr.  W— y.  As  Mr.  5. 
knew  that  Mr.  S — y  had  preached  for  Mr.  IV — y% 
and  was  well  acquainted  with  his  doctrine,  he 
was  furprifed  at  his  conduct.  He  faid  Mr. 
IV — y  was  undoubtedly  a  good  man,  and  had 
been  ufeful  to  thoufands. 

Thurfday  25.  Travelling  back  towards  Gloucef- 
ter,  I  called  at  'Squire  P.'s  •,  and  prefented  him 
with  a  petition  for  railing  £.150.  to  difcharge  the 
debt  on  our  preaching-houie  at  Philadelphia.  He 
promifed  both  to  give  himfelf,  and  to  propofe  it 
others. 

Friday  26.  Returned  to  Philadelphia,  and 
preached  at  8  with  fome  power.  I  find  that  Sa- 
tan itrives  to  fow  difcord  among  us  ;  and  this 
makes  me  defirous  to  leave  the  city. 

Saturday  27.  Felt  a  great  defire  to  live  more 
to  the  glory  of  GOD  ;  and  preached  at  night  with 
fome  life.  Received  3  letter  from  Mr.  P.  re- 
plete 


(     3*     ) 

flete  with  accounts  of  his  preaching  abroad,  in 
the  church,  to  large  congregations  and  the  like. 
My  heart  is  (till  diftrefTed  for  want  of  more  reli- 
gion. I  long  to  be  wholly  given  up,  to  feek  no 
favour  but  what  cometh  from  GOD  alone.  I 
want  to  breath  after  the  Lord  in  every  breath. 

Lord's-day  28.  This  was  a  day  of  fweet  reft  to 
my  foul  •,  and  the  Lord  gave  me  power  to  fpeak 
with  fome  affeclion. 

Monday  29.  Set  out  for  Trenton  with  fome 
loofe  and  trifling  company  in  the  ft  age.  After 
preaching  in  the  evening  with  fome  life  and  en- 
ergy ;  I  went  the  next  day  to  preach  in  the  field, 
and  then  returned  and  preached  with  freedom  to 
many  people  in  the  court-houfe. 

July  1  ft.  Went  over  the  ferry  and  preached  to 
many  people  ;  among  whom  were  fome  fine  wo- 
men, who  behaved  with  airs  of  great  indifferen- 
cy.  Returning  to  Trenton  1  preached  at  night, 
and  the  next  morning  at  5,  after  which  I  fet  off 
for  Philadelphia  with  unprofitable  company ; 
among  whom  I  fat  full  as  a  man  dumb  ;  and  as 
one  in  whofe  mouth  there  was  no  reproof.  They 
appeared  fo  ftupidly  ignorant,  fceptical,  deiftical, 
and  atheiftical,  that  I  thought  if  there  w^eie  no 
ether  hell,  I  mould  ftrive  with  all  my  might  to 
fnun  that.  Came  home  late  and  weary  \  but 
preached  with  fome  comfort.  I  have  lately  been 
bleft  with  much  purity  of  intention,  and  fervour 
of  fpirit  j  but  greatly  third  after  living  more  in 
GOD. 

Saturday,  July  4.  Went  to  Burlington  in  order 
to  attend  the  execution  of  one  S.  a  murderer  ; 
and  declared  to  a  great  number  of  people  under 
the  gaol-wall — He  healeth  the  broken  in  heart.  The 
poor  criminal  appeared  penitent,  behaved  with 
great  folidity,  and  exprefled  a  defire  to  leave  the 
world.  Then 


(    33     ) 

Then  returned  to  Philadelphia,  gave  an  exhor- 
tation that  night,  and  found  the  LordVday  a  day 
of  fweet  peace. 

Monday  6.  Set  out  for  Burlington  again,  and 
fpent  three  days  labouring  among  them.  Many 
feemed  much  ftirred  up  to  feek  the  kingdom  of 
GOD. 

Thurfday  9.  Returned  and  found  fome  inward 
liberty  in  Philadelphia. 

Saturday  II.  Was  a  day  of  peace  and  love 
to  my  foul. 

LordVday  12.  Went  through  the  ufual  exer- 
cifes  of  the  day,  and  enjoyed  fome  peace  of  mind. 
Our  congregations  here  are  fmall.  They  can- 
not bear  the  difcipline  and  doctrine  :  but  this 
does  not  move  me. 

Monday  morning  I  preached  with  life,  and 
long  to  be  as  an  even,  rifing  flame  of  fire. 

Tuefday  14.  Went  to  the  jerfijs,  and  preach- 
ed at  friend  2Vs  to  near  100  people,  though 
in  the  time  of  harveit  \  and  while  preaching  from 
thefe  words,  Ye  were  fcmetimes  da)  hiefs,  but  now 
are  ye  light  in  the  Lord  ?  many- fell  the  power  of 
truth,  when  the  darknefe  and  its  properties  were 
explained.  After  defcribing  true  religion  to 
about  100  fouls,  at  J.  C's,  I  went  on  Wednef- 
day  to  Greenwich,  and  felt  much  {hut  up  while 
preaching  to  about  the  fame  number,  on  Fear 
not,  little jloch,  CSV.  I  then  proceeded  to  Ghucef- 
ter,  which  is  one  of  the  dulled  places  1  have  ken 
in  this  country.  The  fame  night  went  to  Had- 
donjield ;  and  the  next  day  preached  at  J.  ST/s 
to  a  few  attentive  hearers,  who  feemed  fome-* 
what  affected  by  the  truths  of  GOD  ;  efpecially 
one  S.  K.  who  was  greatly  concerned  on  ac- 
count of  his  pad  life  •,  as  he  had  been  much  de- 
voted to  company  and  liquor.     I  felt  afraid   that; 

his 


(     34     ) 

his  concern  would  not  be  permanent.  However, 
he  accompanied  me  to  the  ferry. 

Friday  17.  Returned  to  Philadelphia  time 
enough  for  interceffion,  and  found  it  a  good  time 
both  then  and  at  the  evening-preaching. 

Lord's-day  19.  After  preaching  in  the  morn- 
ing, I  fet  off  in  the  afternoon  for  Trer/ton,  came 
thither  on  Monday  by  noon,  and  found  life  in 
preaching  at  night. 

Monday,  July  20.  Met  with  brother  S.  from 
Neiu-Tork,  who  informed  me  that  I  was  to  go  to 
Tork ;  which  was  what  I  did  not  expect ;  but  feel 
myfeif  quite  eafy,  not  being  fixed  in  any  place. 
He  gave  me  an  account  of  Mr.  W'%  good  be- 
haviour ;  though  I  fear,  after  all,  he  will  fettle 
at  Bohemia. 

Wcdnefday,  July  22.  In  meeting  the  fmall 
fociety  of  about  19  perfons,  I  gave  them  tickets, 
and  found  it  a  comfortable  time.  They  are  a  feri- 
cus  people ;  and  there  is  fome  profpeel  of  much 
good  being  done  in  this  place.  After  preaching 
on  Tuefday  morning  over  the  ferry,  and  in  the 
evening  at  Trenton,  I  took  leave  of  them  on  Wed- 
nefday  morning  and  fet  off  for  Philadelphia. 
Left  Philadelphia  on  the  Lord's-day  evening  after 
preaching  on  thefe  words,  If  I  come  again,  I  will 
not  /pare ;  and  on  Monday  met  with  brother  B. 
Went  thence  to  New-mills,  where  I  preached  on 
Tuefday  night  and  Wednefday  morning,  and 
found  the  people  there  very  affectionate  j  then 
returned  to  Burlington  and  found  many  friends 
from  Philadelphia.  We  had  power  among  us  at 
night,  and  the  next  morning  at  3  I  fet  off  for 
Amboy,  and  on  the  way  had  fome  converfation 
with  one  of  Jacob  B.'s  difciples.  We  came  to 
the  (lage-houfe  through  much  rain  and  bad  roads, 
about  7  o'clock ;  thence  we  went  to  Amboy,  and 

took 


(    35     ) 

took  lodging  at  a  tavern.  Have  been  kept  111 
peace  through  this  journey,  felt  great  courage  in 
the  work  of  GOD,  and  go  towards  York  in  faith 
— The  congregation  at  Amboy  was  fmall,  and 
they  appeared  to  be  fuch  as  cared  but  little  for 
the  gofpel ;  fo  that  my  hope  of  that  place  is  but 
flender.  On  Saturday  evening,  I  preached  with 
fome  power,  to  a  large  congregation  of  rich  and 
poor,  from  thefe  words,  Even  from  the  days  of 
your  fathers,  ye  have  gone  away  from  mine  ordi- 
nances, and  have  not  kept  them  :  return  unto  me 
and  I  will  return  unto  you.  After  preaching  with 
great  liberty  on  the  Lord's-day,  to  many  people 
at  P.  V.'s  and  juftice  JV.'s  on  Staten-I/Iand ;  I  fet 
off  on  Monday  in  a  boat  for  New-York  :  and  ar- 
riving about  5  o'clock,  found  Mr.  W.  who  that 
night  had  preached  his  farewell  fermon ;  and  told 
the  people  that  he  did  not  expect  to  fee  them  any 
more.  I  have  always  dealt  honeftly  with  him, 
but  he  has  been  fpoiled  by  gifts.  He  has  been 
pretty  ftricl:  in  the  fociety,  but  ended  all  with  a 
general  love-feaft ;  which  I  think  is  undoing  all  he 
lias  done.  However  none  of  thefe  things  move 
me.  My  mind  is  calm,  and  my  foul  under  a 
comfortable  fenfe  of  GOD  •,  and  I  am  determin- 
ed, by  his  grace,  to  keep  on  in  the  way  of  my 
duty,  if  it  fhould  be  my  lot  to  (land  alone. 

Augufl  4.  My  foul  felt  life,  and  power,  and 
renewed  courage.  Discovering  the  unfaithfulnefs 
of  fome  who  firft  fpoil  a  man  and  then  condemn 
him,  I  intend  to  keep  fuch  at  a  proper  diftance. 
In  the  love-feaft  this  evening,  I  found  that  the 
living  could  not  bear  the  dead.  Mr.  W.  rofe  up 
and  fpake  as  well  as  he  could,  againft  fpeaking 
with  levere  reflections  on  his  brother.  But  all 
this  was  mere  talk.  I  know  the  man  and  his 
converfation. 

Augujl 


(    3«    ) 

Augujl  6.  Felt  fatisfa£tion  and  life  in  meeting 
the  fociety  laft  night;  and  fpent  this  day  in  re- 
tirement. 

Thurfday  7.  Preached  in  York  from  Phi!,  i. 
24,  25.  To  abide  in  the  fltfij  is  more  needful  for 
you.  And  having  this  confidence^  I  know  that  I 
fhall  abide  and  continue  with  you  ally  for  your  fur- 
therance and  joy  of  faith.  Found  liberty  in  my 
mind  while  addreffing  the  people,  and  am  deter- 
mined, in  the  ftrength  of  the  Lord,  to  aim  at 
promoting  his  glory,  and  to  feek  nothing  but  him. 

Friday  8.  After  preaching  in  the  morning,  I 
found  the  Lord  near,  and  had  great  peace  at  in- 
terceflion.  It  pleafes  me  much  to  fee  the  people 
diligent  in  attending  the  word  :  and  find  myfelf 
favoured  with  liberty  and  the  power  of  GOD  in 
my  labours  among  them  ;  and  humbly  hope,  that 
-GOD  will  make  known  his  power  among  this 
people,  and  drive  Satan  from  them  ;  and  that  we 
ihall  yet  fee  good  days  in  this  place. 

Saturday  9.  I  found  a  degree  of  life  in  my 
foul  •,  and  on  the  Lord's  day  had  power,  and  light, 
and  life,  and  love,  in  {peaking  on  thofe  words, 
Ye  were  fometimes  darknefs^  but  how  are  ye  light  in 
the  Lord:  walk  as  children  of  light.  The  con- 
gregations are  fteady,  and  we  look  for  the  power 
of  GOD  both  in  our  own  fouls  and  among  the 
people.  O,  my  GOD,  make  bare  thine  arm  ! 
After  preaching  in  the  evening  of  the  Lord's-day, 
with  fome  opening  of  heave,  and  to  a  fail  houfe, 
I  met  the  fociety,  aTid  then  fet  out  on  Monday 
morning  for  New-Ralc'lle,  and  preached  the  fame 
night  at  friend  ZX's,  about  30  miles  from  York. 

Tuefday  12.  IVly  foul  does  not  forget  GOD; 
but  my  defire  is  (till  towards  him,  and  the  re- 
memberance  of  his  name.  On  Wednesday  I 
found   ni)    mind   fomewhat  engaged;    but    on 

Thurfday 


(    37     ) 

Thurfciay,  had  fomc  fears  of  coming  fliort  of 
eternal  life.  A  cloud  relied  on  my  mind,  which 
was  occafioned  by  talking  and  jelling  ;  I  alfo  feel 
at  times  tempted  to  impatience  and  pride  of 
heart ;  but  the  Lord  gracioufly  bleft  me  with  life 
and  power  in  preaching  at  night;  and  I  after- 
wards found  my  mind  fixed  on  GOD,  and  an 
earned  longing  to  be  always  holy  in  heart  and 
life.  After  preaching  on  Friday  at  New  Rochellc, 
from  thefe  words,  We  ought  to  give  the  more 
earn  eft  heed  to  the  things  which  we  have  heard ',  left 
ct  any  time  we  JJjould  let  them  ftipy  I  fet  out  for 
York  on  a  bad  horfe,  and  met  with  indifferent 
fare  on  the  road  ;  but  reached  Tori  on  Saturday, 
and  there  received  a  letter  from  my  father  and 
friend,  Mr.  Mather,  who  informed  me  of  the 
preachers'  returning  to  England.  Preached  alfo 
this  evening  with  fome  fatisfaction,  but  found 
broken  claffes,  and  a  disordered  fociety,  (o  that 
my  heart  was  funk  within  me  ;  but  it  is  ftill  my 
c'.efire  to  commit  myfelf  to  God. 

Lord's-day  17.  Preached  in  the  morning,  and 
then  went  to  preach  at  New-T:wny  about  1 2 
miles  dillant,  in  the  evening.  Friend  S.  was  in 
company  with  me,  and  we  were  obliged  to  lodge 
at  a  tavern  ;  but  we  were  more  ferious  than 
ufual,  and  fpent  our  time  in  ufeful  converfation. 
As  it  rained  we  had  but  few  people  at  prea; 
in  the  morning  ;  we  then  returned  to  York  about 
10  o'clock.  In  this  journey  I  have  found  mv 
foul  comfortable  and  alive  to  GOD,  a  facred 
nearnefs  to  G  >D,  and  power  to  withftand  tempt- 
ations ;  though  in  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day, 
I  had  caufe  to  blame  myfelf  for  trifling  conver- 
fation at  noon. 

Monday  18.      This    has    been  a    day    of  dif- 
trefs   to    my    foul.      I   was   oppofcd   for  meet- 
ly ine 


(     3°     ) 

ing  the  fociety,  becaufe  one  or  two  claiTes  met 
at  that  time;  which  feemed  to  me  a  very  weak 
objection,  as  thofe  clafles  might  meet  at  another 
time. 

Auguft  21.  Preached  this  morning  with  great 
li/e  in  my  foul,  and  felt  a  ftrong  defire  to  be  de- 
voted to  GOD,  and  more  and  more  engaged  to 
promote  his  glory  both  in  heart  and  life.  O  that 
my  foul  could  be  more  intimately  and  fweetly 
•  ;  iited  to  the  Lord  !  In  the  evening  I  preached 
with  power ;  but  have  found  my  foul  troubled 
within  me  en  account  of  a  party-fpirit  which 
feems  to  prevail  too  much  in  this  place.  Bat  the;y 
miift  arifwer  for  their  own  conduct.  My  bufi- 
ne'fs  is,  through  the  grace  pi  GOD,  to  go  ftraight 
forward,  ailing  with  honefty,  prudence,  and 
caution,  and  then  leave  the  event  to  him. 

Lord's-day,  Augufi  24.  Preached  morning  and 
evening,  and  had  peace  in  my  own  foul,  hi  the 
evening  I  met  the  fociety  and  read  Mr.  JVAleys 
letter. 

Monday  25.  Early  in  the  morning  we  crofied 
the  North-river,  in  order  to  go  to  Stater?- Ijlnnd. 
Many  people  attended  the  word  ;  but  I  know  not 
what  to  make  of  them,  for  though  they  feem 
fond  of  hearing,  yet  they  do  not  appear  to  be 
much  afrefted.  On  Tueflay  I  went  to  Amboy> 
and  dined  with  a  mixed  1  6n*pany  of  AflerhWy- 
rnen,  Church-men,  Quakers,  &c.  many  of  them 
came  to  hear  me  iri  fpo  t,  but  went  away  very 
ilill.  On  my  return  I  preached  at  Mr.  IV— s 
to  manv  people  ;  on  Thurfday  returned  to  Torks 
and  preached  m  the  everimg,  with  fome  life. 
Friday  my  foui  was  kept  in  peace  and  love  \  and 
while  preach.ii-  •  at  ni|l  t,  both  myfeif  and  others 
felt  the  power  of  GOD  in  our  i 

Saturda)   30.    I  preached  with  liberty,  andean 

rejoice 


(     39     ) 

rejoice  in  GOD  my  falvation,  finding  in  increas- 
ing defire  to  live  to  him  alone.  Lord's-" iy  %t. 
Found  life  both  morning  and  evening,  ami  had 
many  people  :  I  aifo  went  to  church,  and  heard 
Dr.  0.  preach  on  :he  divinity  of  Chrift. 

Tuefday,    September  2.      My  h< 
feck  the  Lord  ;    and  found  feme  nearnefs  to  him, 
and   life  in  my  foul  :  I  pre;  q  in  the  even- 

ing with  fome  comfort. 

Wednefviay  3.  Preached  at  5,  an  i  faund  my 
foul  this  day  fixed  to  do  the  will  of  GOD. 

Thurfday  4  Preached  in  die  morning,  and 
found  this  a  bleflld  day.  My  foul  was  lively,  an  i 
my  heart  was  filled  with  holy  thoughts  of  GGC, 
and  felt  a  flrong  and  pure  define  to  pray,  and  mourn 
and  long  for  GOD.  In  the  evening  I  preached  ;r  •.  1 
thefe  words,  IVhofoever  frail 
men,  him  will  I  conftjs  beforg  tfij  Father  who  is  in 
heaven. 

Friday  5.  Found  my  foul  grieved  at  v>"  difco- 
very  of  fuch  parties  among  the  people.  Who  ca.i 
iind  a  faithful  m?.n  ? 

Saturday,   SepU   6.    Found    peace    in   my  foul, 
and  held  a  meeting  for  the  better  ordering  of 
fpiritual  and  temporal  affairs  of  the  fociety.     In 
this  meeting  I  propounded  the  following  que] 

I.  How  often  ill  all  there  be  publick  preaching  ? 
Agreed,  that  it  fnould  be  on  Tuefday,  Thur! 

a, id  Friday  nights,  befides  the  Lord's-day  ',  and 
exhortation  on  Saturday  night. 

II.  Shall  we  have  morning  preaching  ?  This 
was  agreed  to. 

III.  Shall  we  have  the  Society-meetings  pri- 
vate ?   This  was  doubted  by  fome  ;    but  I  in 

on  it,  from  our  rules  and  Mr.  IVtjIeys  lad  letter. 

IV.  Shall  we  make  a   weekly,   and   qcavl 
collection  ?    Agreed. 

V.  Can 


(     4°     ) 

V.  Can  any  other  means  be  devifed  to  leffeii 
the  debt?  The  debt  was  £  noo;  but  no  other 
means  could  be  found  to  relieve  it. 

VI.  Ought  we  not  to  be  more  ftri£r.  with  dif- 
orderly  perfons  ?  Very  little  was  faid  in  an- 
fvver  to  this. 

VII.  Shall  we  have  three  Rewards  for  the  fa- 
tisfacfcion  of  the  fociety  ?  The  majority  voted 
againft    it. 

VIII.  Are  we  as  frugal  as  we  can  be  ?  It  was 
thought  we  were. 

IX.  Will  the  Rewards  meet  me  once  a  week? 
Agreed. 

X.  Do  we  endeavour  to  avoid  all  partiality  in 
the  things  of  GOD  ? 

XI.  Can  we  come  at  the  balance  of  our  ac- 
counts now,  or  foon  ?   It  was  thought  we  could. 

XII.  Who  will  fland  at  the  door  ?  Not  deter- 
mined. 

XIII.  Shall  we  meet  the  fociety  on  Sunday 
nights  ?  This  was  oppofed  by  fome.  But  1  in- 
filled upon  it's  being  the  beft  time  ;  and  at  laft  it 
was  agreed  to  for  a  feafon. 

XIV.  Who  fhall  be  the  colleaors  ?  This  was 
not  determined,  though  debated. 

XV.  Can  the  preacher  meet  the  children  ? 
Agreed. 

XVI.  Can  we  fpread  the  books  ?  There  was 
but  little  faid  on  this  head,  and  it  was  left  unde- 
termined. 

Mondavj  September  7.  R.  S.  C.  W.  and  my- 
felf  fet  off  for  New-Rochelle.  At  night  I  felt 
myfelf  unwell,  and  my  mind  under  a  cloud,  but 
gave  an  exhortation  at  Mr.  D.'s  in  the  evening. 

Tuefday  8.  This  was  a  day  of  heavinefs,  much 
trouble,  fore  temptation,  and  forrow  of  heart ; 
but  in  the  evening  I  was  happy  in   GOD,  and 

fpake 


(     4'      ) 

[pake  with  power  and  feeling.  On  WedneSday 
my  mind  was  warmly  engaged,  and  I  preached 
to  many  people  both  at  three  o'clock  and  7. 

Thurfday  10.  Mr.  D.  accompanied  me  as  far 
as  Kingsbridgey  on  my  way  to  Thrjt^  where  S.  6'. 
met  me,   and  rode  with  me  the  reft  of  the  way. 

I  preached  in  the  evening,  and  rofe  to  preach, 
next  morning  at  c.  It  appears  to  trie  tint  trou- 
ble is  at  hand,  but  I  fear  nothing  ;  being  confei- 
ous  of  having  acted  uprightly  before  them  all, 
und  having  no  bye-ends  in  view.  Whoever  has, 
mud  aniwer  for  it.  Whatever  comes,  I  am  de- 
termined, while  here,  by  the  grace  of  GOD,  to 
proceed  according  to  the  Method!  ft  doctrine  and 
discipline. 

Friday  11.  T  met  the  people  in  the  morning 
to  difeourfe  with  them  about  their  temporal  mat- 
ters, and  appointed  Mr.  C.  to  take  an  account  if 
the  weekly  and  quarterly  collections. 
two  other  Rewards  reiufed  an  exact  entry  cf  the 
money  that  is  not  fettled.  However  the  pe 
miifi  have  the  fame  Satisfaction  concerning  the 
ether  collections.  Saturday  morning  I  felt  a 
ftrong  delire  to  live  to  GOD,  and  act  with  a 
fmgle  eye  to  his  glory  in  all  that  I  do.  On  Satur- 
day evening  we  had  a  comfortable  meeting.  Af- 
ter preaching  to  many  people  on  the  Lord's-day 
at  7,  I  prepared  to  approach  the  table.  There 
was  a  great  drawing  among  the  people  while 
thefe  words  were  enforced,  T/:is  do  in  remem- 
brance cf  mc.  Lord  prepare  my  heart.  My 
bleeding  Lord  !  let  my.  foul  feel  thy  melting  love. 
Lord,  make  all  thy  people  glad  together  in  thee, 
that  thou  mayeft  be  glorified  in  and  by  us  both 
now  and  ever.  At  the  table  I  was  deeply  affect- 
ed   with    the  fight    of  the  poor   negroes,  feeing 

Lord.     In  the 
D   2  evening 


(      42      ) 

evening  I  had  a  full  houfe  and  much  divine  afiilt- 
ance, 

Monday  14.  I  had  liberty  and  love  in  preach- 
ing at  5,  and  this  day  felt  power  to  live  to  GOD. 

Tuefday  15.  I  fpent  great  part  of  my  time  in 
company,  and  preached  with  fome  life  to  a  fmall 
company  at  Bloornlrigdule.  Preaching  at  5  the 
next  morning,  I  had  many  people,,  and  a  com- 
fortable fenfe  of  GOD. 

Wednefday  16.  I  fet  off  for  New-toivn,  and 
found  nearnefs  to  GOD  and  more  conftancy  of 
mind.  Our  journey  was  wet  and  troublefome  5 
however  there  was  a  fmall  company  of  people 
and  I  preached  with  courage,  difregarding  my 
fatigue  if  any  good  can  be  done.  We  returned 
to  Tcrk  in  the  night,  which  was  very  dark  :  but 
he  to  7/hom  the  darknefs  is  known,  conduct- 
ed us  in  fafety.  Friday  morning  I  found  great 
peace.  Lord  help  me  to  be  always  guarded,  and 
iiy  the  very  appearance  of  evil;  fo  that  in  thy 
ftrength  I  may  every  moment  conquer. 

Saturday  19.  I  felt  comfortable  in  preaching 
this  morning  at  5  o'clock.  Oh  my  GOD  !  help 
me  this  day  to  eye  thy  glory.  We  had  a  melting 
power  this  evening  alfo  in  public  exhortation. 

LordVday  20.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  good 
time,  while  I  fpake  from  the  latter  part  of  the 
eighty-firft  pfalm  ;  and  in  the  evening  we  had  a 
very  full  houfe,  and  the  Lord  favoured  me  with 
warmth  and  power  while  I  addreiTed  the  people 
from  Rom.  vi.  17,  18.  After  preaching  on  Mon- 
day morning,  I  went  to  Staten-IjlaJid*  Juftice  W. 
met  me  and  informed  me  that  the  people  were 
verv  bufy  at  that  time  in  court ;  fo  I  went  and 
preached  to  many  attentive  people  at  the  ferry, 
llitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped.  I  will  endeavour 
to   praife  him  with  my  whole  hearty  and  glorify 

him 


(     43      ) 

him  more  and  more.  Tuefday  I  crofied  the  bay 
and  preached  in  the  evening  at  fork, 

Wednefday  23.  In  the  morning  I  preached 
and  felt  a  meafure  of  peace,  and  itronger  confi- 
dence in  my  foul  towards  GOD. 

I  am  now  twenty-feven  years  of  age,  and  have 
had  a  religious  concern  on  my  heart  about  four- 
teen years  *,  though  I  felt  fomething  of  GOD  as 
early  as  the  age  of  feven. 

Thurfday  24.  I  preached  in  the  morning  from 
Pfalm  lxxxvi.  17  •,  and  found  myfelf  enlarged  in 
the  evening  on  the  fubjeel  of  the  good  Samaritan. 
This  day  my  foul  has  felt  much  love  toward 
GOD,  and  my  mind  has  been  bent  on  doing  his 
will. 

Friday  25.  Attending  the  leclure  tc-day,  I  heard 
the  doctor  with  much  fatisfaction  •,  and  in  the  e- 
vening  preaching  I  laid  open  the  plague  of  the  hu- 
man heart  as  I  had  felt  it.  It  was  a  folemn  time. 
This  day  we  received  tidings  from  Philadelphia  of 
their  doing  well  botli  in  fpiritual  and  temporal  mat- 
ters. Some  have  been  much  diiTatisiied  with  private 
fociety-meetings,  and  collections  in  the  clafTes. 
But  in  the  midit  of  every  trial,  the  Lord  keeps 
me  in  peace.  On  Saturday  morning,  though  it 
was  coid,  we  had  many  people  and  a  moving 
time  at  5  o'clock  ;  and  a  comfortable  feafon  ia 
the  evening  exhortation. 

Lord's-day  27.  Preaching  this  morning  on 
building  the  toivcr,  I  had  fome  afli  fiance  ;  but  ex- 
perienced fome  heavy  exercifes  of  mind  this  day. 
In  the  evening  I  was  enabled  to  preach  with  pow- 
er, on  the  awful  fubjecb  of  judgment:  attempting 

I.  To  prove  that  the  judgment  will  be  univer- 
fal. 

II.  To  defer ibe  the  perfoji  of  the  Judge. 

III.  To 


(     44     ) 

III.  To  defcribe  the  awful  events  preceding 
and  attending  that  period. 

IV.  To  point  out  the  bufinefs  of  the  day. 

V.  To  {hew  the  decifion  andconfequences. 

Monday  28.  Many  people  attended  the  preach- 
ing at  5  o'clock,  and  brother  5.  and  myfelf  fet  off 
in  the  forenoon  for  New-Rochelle.  As  we  came 
unexpectedly  on  the  people,  I  improved  the  oc- 
cafion  by  preaching  on  thefe  words,  In  fuch  an 
hour  as  ye  think  not  the  Son  of  man  comet/:. 

Tuefday  29.  At  friend  D.ysy  I  preached  with 
fervency  from  Ezek.  xxxiii.  4.  I  have  been  much 
affaulted  this  day  with  temptations.  But  have 
been  kept  by  the  power  of  GOD.  I  find  a  de- 
gree of  effeminacy  cleaving  to  me,  but  abhor  it 
from  my  very  heart.  The  reading  of  Mr.  Wefleys 
journal  has  been  made  a  bleffing  to  me. 

Wednefday  3c.  I  was  led  to  fpeak  very  clofe- 
ly  atP.  B.'s,  to  a  congregationinwhich  were  many 
old  people  ;  and  then  returned  to  Mr.  D.'s,  where 
1  preached  again  and  enforced  the  duty  of  meefi- 
ing  together  among  themfelves. 

October  1.  I  fet  off  for  Tork ;  and  preached 
to- a  fmall  company  at  Kingsbridge  on  my  way. 
This  day  I  received  a  letter  from  my  mother  in- 
forming me  ihe  was  weak  in  body,  and  had  an 
earnell  defire  to  fee  me  once  more  before  ihe  dies. 

October  3.  Though  I  preached  with  liberty 
laft  night,  yet  my  mind  was  troubled  to-day ; 
but  I  earnestly  defire  to  renew  my  covenant 
with  GOD.  Mr.  W.  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Wejley,  enforcing  our  rules  and  difcipline.  My 
defire  is  to  fet  loofe  to  every  created  object. 

Lord's-day  4.  I  felt  divine  alliftance  in  preach- 
ing both  morning  and  evening  ;  but  was  grieved 
at  fociety-meeting,  to  fee  the  ileward  defirous 
to  let  flrangers  in. 

On 


(     45     ) 

On  Monday  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Wejley>  and  com- 
municated the  true  fentiments  of  my  mind. 

Tuefday  6.  This  was  a  day  of  peace  and  reft 
to  my  foul.  After  preaching  at  night  with  fome 
power,  I  fpoke  to  our  fteward,  whofe  conduct  did 
not  altogether  pleafe  me — frequently  avoiding  to 
fpeak  to  me— ah  fen  ting  himfelf  from  the  meeting 
of  the  leaders — the  appearance  of  dilTimulation 
— oppofing  our  rules — and  confulting  perfons 
who  were  not  members  of  our  fociety.  He  ap- 
peared to  be  fomewhat  affected  by  the  converfa- 
tion. 

Thurfday  8.  In  preaching  both  morning  and 
evening,  I  had  an  opening  of  foul  toward  the 
people  •,  I  met  the  fociety  this  evening,  and  told 
them  plainly  my  mind  relative  to  their  date  as  a 
collective  body. 

Friday  9.  I  met  the  leaders,  and  there  were 
fome  fharp  debates.  After  much  had  been  faid, 
I  was  charged  with  ufing  Mr.  N —  ill,  in  faying, 
he  oppofed  my  meeting  the  fociety.  Mr.  L — 
told  me  I  had  already  preached  the  people  away ; 
and  intimated  that  the  whole  work  would  be  de- 
flroyed  by  me.  Perhaps  this  was  becaufe  I  fpoke 
fo  freely  to  Mr.  Ar — ,  and  defired  him  to  take 
care  what  company  he  kept. 

Saturday  10.  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
JFefley,  in  which  he  required  a  drier,  attention  to 
difcipline;  and  appointed  me  to  act  as  a  Aidant. 
He  alfo  enjoined  rhat  Mr.  IF.  might  not  print 
any  more  books  without  his  confent.  I  likewife 
received  a  letter  from  Mr.  IF.  informing  me  of 
the  date  of  matters  in  Maryland ;  and  that  it 
was  appointed  for  me  to  winter  there.  For  this 
I  intend  to  prepare. 

Lord's-day  if.  Preached  with  power  in  the 
moruirigj  and  fpakc  freely  to  a  large  congrega- 
tion 


(     4*     ) 

don  in  the  evening.     My  foul  is  bkfc-  with  j 
and  love  to  GOD. 

Monday  12.  Read  one  of  Mr.  TVeJley's  fer- 
mons  to  the  people,  and  believe  fome  felt  it  re- 
proving them  for  evil-fpeaking.  My  mind  is  fe- 
rene  and  comfortable.  Part  of  Monday  was 
fpent  in  meeting  claries;  and  on  Tuefday  morn- 
ing at  5,  I  had  many  people.  My  intention  is 
to  deal  faithfully  with  all ;  and  it  is  my  real  opi- 
nion, that  I  am  not  fo  fenfible  of  faults  in  any 
other  perfon  as  in  myfelf.  Lord,  help  me  to  be 
faithful,  and  in  all  I  do  to  glorify  thee  more  than 
ever.     Felt  affiftance  this  evening  in  preaching. 

Wainefday,  I  went  to  New-town,  but  was  not 
expected.  However,  we  collected  many  people 
to  hear  the  word.  I  then  returned  to  Tork,  and, 
after  preaching  in  the  morning,  was  engaged  in 
fettling  the  claries,  making  up  fome  bands,  and 
meeting  the  children.  I  have  reafon  to  be  thank- 
ful 5  though  my  trials  have  been  great  from  ma- 
ny quarters,  they  have  not  moved  me. 

Friday  16.  Preached  in  the  morning,  and  felt 
refigned  to  any  thing,  having  no  choice,  but  am 
willing  to  go  to  the  end  of  the  world,  if  I  can  be 
holy  and  ufeful. 

Lord's  day  iS.  Preached  in  the  morning  with 
fome  fenfibility,  and  then  went  to  hear  Mr.  I, 
who  delivered  a  profitable  difcourfe  en  the  edu- 
cation of  children.  He  proved  the  necemty,  an- 
tiquity, and  human  authority  of  catechiiing  ;  and 
made  it  evident,  that  in  the  primitive  church, 
the  bed  and  ableil  men  were  appointed  for  this 
work.  He  gave  fome  account  of  the  fchool  in 
Alexandria ;  and  told  the  audience,  that  in  this 
duty  there  mould  be  both  precept  and  example, 
and  fometimes  fe verity.  In  the  evening  1  was 
enabled  to  fpeak  plainly  to    a  large  congregation, 

on 


(     47     ) 

on  Dent.  XX  x.  19.  I  call  heaven  and  earth  to  record 
againflyou  this  day,  that  Ihavefet  before  you  life  and 
death,  bleffing  and  curfing :  therefore  choofe  life,  that 
both  thou  and  thy  feed  may  live.  This  day  we  had 
a  love-fead.  Many  people  fpoke  freely  but  not 
long.  This  I  have  obferved  more  here  than  in 
England,  that  the  people  fpeak  fhort,  and  yet  ve- 
ry full. 

Monday  19.  Set  off  in  the  flage  for  Philadel- 
phia. The  company  was  all  pretty  quiet  except 
one  young  man,  who  frequently  profaned  the 
name  of  the  Lord.  It  was  my  intention  to  re- 
prove him,  but  waiting  for  a  proper  time,  I  found 
u:i  opportunity  when  there  was  only  one  perfon 
with  him,  and  then  told  him  how  he  had  grieved 
me.  He  received  the  admonition  very  well ;  and 
excufed  himfelf  by  faying,  he  did  not  think  of 
what  he  was  doing.  Afterwards  he  feemed  more 
careful.  After  dining  at  Brunfiuick,  we  came  to 
Princeton,  a  place  I  had  long  wilhed  to  fee  for  the 
fake  of  the  pious  Mr.  D.  late  prefident  of  the  col- 
lege there.  Here  I  met  Mr.  B.  and  we  both  a- 
greed  in  judgment  about  the  affairs  of  the  fociety: 
and  were  comforted  together.  The  next  day  I 
came  to  Trenton;  but  a  drunken  failorhad  locked 
up  the  court-houfe,  fo  I  was  obliged  to  preach 
in  a  fchool-houfe,  where  we  had  a  comfortable 
meeting*,  and  alfo  at. 5  the  next  morning. 

Thurfday, Oetober  22.  In  the  morning  I  preach- 
ed over  the  river,  and  in  the  evening  at  Trenton, 
with  fome  affiftancc.  And  many  young  people  at- 
tended. 

Saturday  24.  Leaving  my  horfe  at  Brijhl,  I 
went  to  Burlington ;  and  on  the  Lord's-day  my 
foirit  was  much  dejected,  though  in  preaching 
I  felt  greatly  affided ;  and  divine  truth  reached 
the  hearts  of  the  people. 

Monday 


(     4S     ) 

Monday  26.  After  preaching  at  5,  I  left  them 
and  preached  in  the  evening  at  Philadelphia.  All 
things  confidered,  the  people  here  feemed  to  be 
quiet  and  in  good  order. 

On  Tuefday,  preached  both  morning  and  even- 
ing. R.  S.  and  myfelf  fet  out  on  Wednefday 
for  Bohemia,  and  on  our  way  we  found  a  few 
friends  at  Newcajlle  that  had  not  deferted  the 
caufe.  In  this  journey  I  called  at  Chefler  gaol, 
and  faw  the  prifoners  who  all  feemed  hardened  to 
a  man,  and  among  them  were  the  wretched  three 
that  I  faw  efcape  the  gallows  before :  two  of 
thefe  had  behaved  fo  badly  they  were  now  in  chains. 
Lord  what  is  man  ?  And  what  am  I  without  thy 
grace  ?  Keep  me,  keep  me,  holy  Lord,  and  ne- 
ver let  me  go  !  Let  me  die,  rather  than  live  to 
fin  againft  thee.  I  fpoke  freely  to  one  of  them, 
who  was  a  murderer. 

Thurfday  29.  We  reached  Bohemia,  where 
we  found  S.  H — y9  a  man  hearty  in  the  caufe 
and  of  a  good  underftanding  ;  but  his  fpirit  is  two 
warm  and  eafily  moved. 

On  Friday  I  vifited  E.  and  R.  T.  and  faw  their 
father  in  his  hundredth  year,  eating,  drinking, 
fmoking,  and  talking.  He  appeared  as  forgetful 
of  eternity,  as  if  he  had  been  at  the  moil  fecure 
diftance  from  its  brink.  I  think  he  told  me 
that  his  father  lived  to  be  an  hundred  and  nine,  and. 
never  ufed  fpeclacles. 

Saturday  31.  Rofe  early  this  morning,  and  pur- 
pofe,  through  grace,  to  devote  this  day  to  GOD. 
I  have  travelled  fince  Monday  week,  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  miles. 

Lord's-day  November  1.  After  preaching  at 
H.'s  in  the  morning  I  intended  to  preach  in 
the  fchool-houfe  in  the  afternoon ;  but  it  would 
not  contain  half  the  people ;  fo  I  flood  at  the  door 

and 


(     49     ) 


and  the  people  without.     Went  to  bed  very  un- 
well this  evening,  but  rofe  at  5,  and,  feeling  bet- 
ter, fet  off  for  Sufquehannah.     The  next  mor 
my  foul  longed  for  GOD.     I    felt  a  cpn 
►ifenfe  of  his  love  in  my  heart,  and  c?.n  rejoice  in 
I kirn  as  my  all-fufficient  portion.   In  the  afternoon 
'  we  rode  in  company  to  the  bay  fide.  A  few  people, 
:  who  came  draggling  after  the  time  at  Friend  G'.'s 
1  felt  themfelves  aifetled  by  the  power  of  GOD.    At 
I  friend  G.'s  the  family  was  called  together  in  the  even- 
ing,and  R.  W.gave  a  moving  exhortation.  Oneper- 
fon  feemed  affected.  The  next  morning  I  rofe  at  5, 
my  ufual  time,  and  fpent  one  hour  in  folemn,  fe- 
cret  prayer*     Friend  G.  treated    me    with  g] 
kindnefs,  and   prefTed  me  to  call  again.     1  then 
went  on  to  Rocky-run,  and  preached  with  freedom 
to  a  number  of  people,  among  whom  were   r 
Friends.     For  fomedajs  paft,  my  mind  has  been 
bleit  with  much  peace  -,  fo  that  I  experience  a  pre- 
fent  falvation,  and  hope  to  experience  thaf  which  i"» 
eternal.  Thanks  be  to  GOD  for  what  I  feel,  Glory, 
glory  be  given  to  my  dear  and  gracious  Saviour. 

Wednefday  4.  This  evening  I  had  a  very  fo- 
lemn family  meeting  ;  and  fpoke  feparately  and 
pointedly  to  every  one,  both  black  and  whit  \ 

On  Thursday  morning,  rifing  at  my  ufual  timej 
I  had  a  comfortable  fenfe  of  GOD  upon  my 
heart.  Glory  be  to  thee,  O  Lord  !  After  break  fall, 
Mrs.  G.  her  brother,  and  myfeli  fet  out  for  Deer- 
creek.  We  called  at  a  Friends'  meeting,  and  heard 
two  men  and  a  woman  fpeak.  They  all  fpoke  to 
purpofe.  We  then  proceeded  to  Mr.  M.'s,  -and 
unexpectedly  found  the  people^  at  2  o'clock, 
waiting  to  hear  the  word.  I  preached  with  liber- 
ty, and  the  power  of  GOD  was  felt  in  the  hearts 
of  many,  though  fome  of  them  were  principal 
men.  The  man  of  the  houfe  looked  vcrv  earneftty 
E  at 


(     5°     ) 

at  tile  while  I  was  preaching.     I   then  publiflied 

preaching  at  S.  L 's  ;  where  we  had  alfo  a 

comfortable  time.     S.  L himfelf  was  deeply 

af7ec~led.  He  had  been  a  ranting  Quaker,  and  a 
rebellious  man  •,  but  GOD  hath  touched  his 
heart,  and  wrought  a  good  work  on  him  and  fe- 
veral  others  nere.  The  next  day,  we  proceeded  to 
H.  W.'s  •,  whofe  brother  is  an  exhorter,  and  now 
gone  with  Mr.  W.  to  Virginia.  The  Lord  hath 
done  great  things  for  thefe  people,  notwithftand- 
ing  the  weaknefs  of  the  inftruments,  and  fome 
little  irregularities.  Men  who  neither  feared 
GOD,  nor  regarded  man, — fwearers,  liars,  cock- 
fighters,  card-players,  horfe-racers,  drunkards, 
&c.  are  now  i'o  changed  as  to  become  new  men  ; 
and  they  are  filled  with  the  praifes  of  GOD.  This 
is  the  Lord's  work,  and  it  is  marvellous  in  our 
eyes.  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us  ;  but 
unto  thy  name  be  all  the  glory  ! 

Saturday  7.^  We  had  a  powerful  meeting  at  H. 
W.'s  ;  feveral  from  Mr.  M's  followed  me,  and 
feemed  to  give  good  attention  to  the  things  of 
GOD.  Here  I  met  with  N.  W.  an  exhorter,  who 
appears  to  be  a  ferious  and  fenfible  man.  After 
appointing  to  meet  the  exhorters  at  my  return,  I 
went  to  S.  F.'sy  and  preached  to  many  people  ; 
then  preached  at  a  place  about  three  miles  on  my 
way  back,  and  came  to  H.  TV.'s  again ;  where 
we  had  a  very  comfortable  time. 

Lord's  day  8.  We  had  a  very  melting  time  in- 
deed, while  I  preached  to  about  two  hundred 
fouls  from  Rom.  vi.  17,  18.  We  had  alfo  many 
people  at  R.  W?s  while  I  preached,  with  liberty 
in  my  foul,  from  1  Ccr.  iv.  20.  The  kitigdom  of 
GOD  is  not  in  ivord^  but  in  power.  This  day  I 
have  been  free  from  evil,  happy  and  joyful  in  my 
GOD.     At  the    widow    B.'s  there  were  many 

people, 


(    5*     ) 

people,  both  black  and  white,  rich  and  poor, 
who  were  all  exhorted  to  feek  the  Lord  while  he 
may  be  found.  Some  of  the  young  women  of 
this  family  are  ferious  and  thoughtful. 

Tuefday  10.  I  enjoy  peace  and  life  in  my  foul ; 
and  am  determined,  through  grace,  to  love  and 
feek  nothing  but  GOD.  Preached  to  many  people, 
both  at  C.  B.'s  in  the  morning,  and  at  /.  AI.'s  in 
the  evening ;  and  was  favoured  with  much  free- 
dom. 

Wednefday  1 1.  Many  people  attended  preach- 
ing at  Mr.  S/s.  among  whom  were  fome  Bapl'ijls 
who  went  away  muttering  with  their  decrees.  The 
congregation  was  alfo  large  at  Friend  S.'s.  I  have 
read  Dr.  S.  on  the  non-eternity  of  hell-torments. 
But  by  his  arguments,  we  may  as  well  prove  the 
non-eternity  of  heavenly  joys  ;  for  he  calls  it  an 
*iwuov  life.  Now  if  the  turni*  life  of  faints 
arifesfrom  aprinciple  of  fpiritual  life  derived  from 
Chrift  ;  then  the  */&>v/ov  death  of  the  wicked  arifes 
from  a  principle  of  fpiritual  death  in  them  5  and 
the  one  will  come  to  an  end  as  foon  the  oth    \ 

Thurfday  12.  Preached  at  Friend  G.'s.     There 
are  fonre  Bapl'ijls  in  this  neighbourhood,  who  op- 
pofe  the  work  under  us;  and  perplex  an 
our  young  beginners;  though  they  let  me  al 
Then   returning    to  Friend  C.'s,  the  word  flowed 
freely,    while    I   preached    to   many  people   at    6 
o'clock,  from  2  Cor.  v.  20.   Now  then  we  are   am- 
baffachrs  for  drift,  as  though  GOD  did  befeeel 
by  us  ;     <we  pray  you  in  Ghrift s* Jleady  be  ye  1 
to  GOD.    Spoke  on  GOD's  bc'nv?  reconciled  to 
Gutters,  and  Ihewed  on  what  terms  they  might  be 
reconciled   to   GOD,   and  that    none  but  CI 
could  bring  about  the  reconciliation.     My  mind 
was  greatly  enlarged  while  defcribing  the  charac- 
ter of  gofpel-rainifters.    Friday  morning  my  foul 


(     ja     ) 

was  happy  in  God.  I  rode  about  eight  miles  to 
meet  J.  K,  Many  people  attended  the  word  at 
Mr.  G — 's  -,  and  after  preaching  J.  K.  came.  "We 
went  together  to  town,  and  flayed  all  night.  The 
next  morning  I  returned  to  J.  C — 's,  where  the 
congregation  was  large  at  12  o'clock.  This  man's 
friends  have  rejected  him  on  account  of  his  reli- 
gion. The  family  feem  very  ferious ;  and  I  hope 
there  will  be  a  great  and  good  work  here.  Then 
rode  to  R.  O.'s  where  fome  people  came  to  fee 
me,  with  whom  we  fung  and  prayed. 

Tuefday  17.  This  morning  I  found  fome  peace 
and  life  in  my  foul;  but  want  more  retirement. 
My  defire  is,  to  be  ever  before  the  Lord.  Many 
pecpie  attended  the  preaching,  both  in  the  fore* 
noon,  and  in  the  evening,  when  the  congregation 
was  much  arTecled.  The  next  morning  I  went  to 
Friend  S.'s,  and  found  his  family  well.     Here  we 

had  Dr.  W d,  and    feveral  polite  people  to 

dine  with  us.  I  fpoke  to  the  ladies  about  head- 
drcfles  ;  but  the  Doctor  vindicated  them  and  faid, 
that  religion  did  not  confifi:  in  drefs.  I  quoted 
the  words  of  St.  Peter  ,«  but  finding  him  a  kind  of 
free-thinker,  I  ftaid  about  an  hour,  and  then  de- 
parted. We  then  rode  to  Friend  Dh  and  fpent 
fome  time  with  his  family. 

Thurfday  19.  Friend  D.  and  I  fet  off  for  Fre- 
derica.  "We  came  to  G.  S.'s,  where  I  expected  to 
have  preached,  but  there  was  a  difappointment ; 
fo  we  puriued  our  way,  though  my  littlehorfe  was 
unwell  and  very  weary:  A  poor  unhappy  man 
abufed  me  much  on  the  road  :  he  curfed,  fwore, 
and  threw  ftones  a;:  me.  But  I  found  it  my  duty 
to  talk  to  htm,  and  (hew  him  his  danger.  Frederica 
is  a  neat  little  town,  having  one  main  ftreet  and 
three  crofs  ftreets.  It  contains  about  a  thoufand 
houfes,  and  the  inhabitants  are  chiefly  Germans. 

There 


(         3D         ) 

There  are  two  German  churches,  one  Caivinifl, 
and  one  Lutheran.  There  is  aifo  one  EtipJiJh 
church,  and  one  Reman  chapel.  Many  peopue 
came  to  hear  me  in  this  town. 

Friday  20.  Found  fome  peace  of  mind  in  the 
morning ;  but  was  forely  buffeted  by  fatan  in  the 
courfe  of  the  day,  I  had  but  few  people  in  the 
evening,  and  but  little  power. 

Saturday  21.  I'ly  mind  was  greatly  deprefled. 
Not  on  account  of  any  outward  known  fin;  but 
partly  from  the  Hate  of  my  body,  and  partly  from 
a  deep  knk  of  the  very  great  work  in  which  I  am 
employed.  I  do  not  know  when  I  funk  into  deeper 
diitrefs  :  though,  thank  GOD,  there  was  no  con- 
demnation. 

Lords  day.  After  preaching  in  the  morning, 
Brother  J.  II.  Friend  B.  and  myfelf,  l^t  off  to  a 
place  where  I  had  to  preach  at  2  o'clock.  Friend 
B.  was  awakened  by  the  instrumentality  of  Friend 
S.  and  he  told  me  that  he  had  been  much  oppofed. 
I  heard  him  give  an  exhortation  greatly  to  the  pur- 
pofe  j  and  gave  him  a  note  of  recommendation, 
to  do  all  the  good  he  could.  Happened  in  com- 
pany with  an  old  ftupid  £hiahr  woman,  who  fup- 
pofed  me  to  be  a  half  J^hiaker,  and  thought  the 
Friends  were  the  only  people  in  the  world,  and 
that  they  were  not  fallen  from  their  former  lively 
and  fpiritual  (late.  A  man  came  twenty  miles  for 
me  to  go  and  preach  a  funeral  fermon.  I  accord- 
ingly complied,  and  had  many  people  to  hear  me. 
Then  went  about  two  miles,  to  preach  at  Mr. 
JD.'s  *,  and  met  with  a  German  miniuer,  Mr.  £'. 
who  heard  ine  preach  at  both  places.  We  had 
fome  converfation  about  the  ordinances  adminis- 
tered by  Mr.  5.  He  advanced  fome  reafons  to  urge 
the  neceflity  of  them,  and  faid  Mr.  IV.  did  not 
do  well  to  hinder  us  from  the  adminiltration  of 
E  2  them 


(     54    ) 

them;  I  told  him  they  did  not  appear  to  me  as  ei- 
fential  to  falvation. 

r.uefday  23.  Preached  at  Winchejler,  in  anun- 
fmifhed  houfe  \  and  while  the  ruin  beat  in  upon 
me,  many  people  looked  and  wondered  at  the 
{Iranger.  However,  I  delivered  my  meiiage  with 
fome  energy,  and  then  rode  3  miles  to  R.  O.'s 
where  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  preach  with  much 
feeling  to  a  great  number  of  people, 

Wednefday  24.  We  rode  about  20  miles  to 
my  old  friend  J.  O.'s,  and  found  a  very  agreea- 
ble houfe  and  family.  The  old  man  is  an  Ifrael- 
ite  indeed.  He  was  once  a  ferious  church-man, 
who  fought  for  the  truth ;  and  now  GOD  has 
revenlcd  it  to  him.  The  Lord  has  alfo  begun  to 
bit-is  his  family.  He  has  one  ion  a  preacher,  and 
the  reft  of  his  children  are  very  thoughtful. 
Though  it  was  a  very  rainy  day,  there  were 
people,  and  my  heart  was  greatly  enlarged 
c!s  them  in  preaching. 

Tharfday  25.  The  congregation  was  alfo  large 
at  Mr.  M* s.  and  the  Lord  was  with  me.  But 
on  Friday,  at  Mr.  is's  the  congregation  was  fmall, 
:>:j  i  I  was  much  ftraightened.  The  fame  even- 
ing I  rode  to  Baltimore.  Sat.  28.  Preached  at  the 
Point. 

Lord's  day  30.  It  was  a  rainy  dayr  but  I  rode 
to  the  Point,  and  after  preaching  to  a  large  con- 
gregation, returned  to  town  and  dined  at  W. 
Af.'s.  I  preached  in  town,  both  at  3,  and  at  6 
o'clock. 

Monday,  December  1.  Rode  in  company  with 
Mrs.  R.  H.  Mrs.  R.  and  the  widow  JV.  to  N. 
P.'s  and  preached  to  a  large  number  of  people. 
Then  I  rode  to  W.  L.'s  to  whom  I  was  intro- 
duced by  Mrs,  if.  and  had  many  to  hear  the  word 
of  truth. 

The 


(     55     ) 

The  next  day,  at  Joppa,  there  were  many  peo- 
ple from  the  country,  and  fome  from  the  town. 

Thurfday  2.  Preached  at  J,  P.'s  to  many  peo- 
ple who  could  feel  the  word  •,  and  with  much 
power  in  my  own  foul.  Then  rode  ^  miles  into 
the  Neck,  and  had  a  folemn,  heart-affecHng 
time,  while  preaching  from  Rev.  ii.  11.  a  paf- 
fage  which,  it  feems,  juft  fuited  their  cafe :  af- 
terwards returned  to  J.  P.'s.  Friday  5.  After 
preaching,  J.  D.  conducted  me  to  his  houfe,  and 
treated  me  with  great  kin.ineis.     Preached  at  his 

o 

houfe,  at  3  o'clock  •,  and  on  Saturday,  at  M.  BJs 
about  3  miles  off. 

Lord's  day  7.  Went  about  5  miles  to  preach  in 
our  firfl  preaching-houfe.  The  houfe  had  no 
windows  or  doors  :  the  wc  thei  was  very  cold-, 
(o  that  my  heart  pitied  the  people  when  I  faw 
them  fo  expofed.  Putting  a  handkerchief  over 
my  head,  I  preached,  and  after  an  hour's  inter- 
miflion  (the  people  waiting  all  the  time  in  the 
cold)  I  preached  again. 

Monday  8.  J,  K.  and  I  went  about  5  miles  to 
lodge  j  and  the  next  morning  fet  off  for  Bohemia,, 
We  parted  through  CharleJloiviiyZnA  dined  at  the 
head  of  Elk.  We  lodged  at  R.  TVs  where  I 
fpoke  clofely  to  the  poor  negroes,-  who  took  fome 
notice  of  what  was  faid.  Since  I  went  from 
here  laft,  my  travels  have  been,  perhaps,  as 
much  as  3C0  miles  in  about  fix  weeks.  And, 
glory  to  GOD,  I  have  been  favoured  with  the 
prefence  of  the  Lord  ;  and  with  zeal  and  power 
in  my  public  exercifes.  Rode  to  B's  cavern  for 
my  trunk  and  box  of  books ;  and  received  a  let- 
ter from  Mr.  P — which  furpaffed  every  thing  I 
ever  had  met  with  from  a  Methodift  preacher. 
The  Lord  judge  between  him  and  me  !  Then  I 
went  to  a.   HS%  and  after  preaching  to  a  few 

people 


(     5<S    ) 

people,  I  fpoke  to  them,  one  by  one,  concerning' 
the  ftace  of  their  fouls. 

Tuefday  9.  I  intended  to  have  preached  at 
George-town  ;  but  in  my  way  found  a  large  houfe 
belonging  to  a  certain  Mr.  B.  in  which  Mr. 
Whitefidd  had  preached  fome  years  ago,  to  fome 
Hollanders  who  were  eminent  for  religion :  but 
the  old  people  are  now  dead.  Then  I  proceeded 
on  my  way  to  Georgetown,  and  lodged  at  the 
houfe  of  a  Quaker.  He  treated  me  with  great 
kindnefs  ;and  appeared  to  be  an  underftanding 
man.  His  wife  was  fomewhat  tender  in  religi- 
ous converfation.  In  the  evening  the  negroes 
were  collected,  and  I  fpoke  to  them  in  exhorta- 
tion. In  the  morning  3  or  4  white  people  alfo 
attended  at  nrayer,  to  whom  I  fpoke  about  their 
fouls.  The  Friend  went  with  me  in  the  morning,, 
and  when  I  aiked  him  what  fatisfaction  he  re- 
quired, he  told  me,  no  more  than  what  he  had. 
received. 

Wednefday  10.  Preached  to  many  people^  rich 
and  poor,  at  J.  R.'sj  and  at  another  place  in  the 
evening. 

Friday  12.  Went  12  miles  into  Kent  county, 
and  had  many  great  people  to  hear  me.-  But  be- 
fore preaching,  one  Mr.  R.  a  church-minifter, 
came  to  me  and  defired  to  know  who  1  was,  and 
whether  I  was  licenced.  I  told  him  who  I  was. 
He  fpoke  great  fwelling  words,  and  told  me  he 
had  authority  over  the  people,  and  was  charged 
with  the  care  of  their  fouls.  He  alfo  told  me 
that  I  could  not  and  fhouid  not  preach ;  and  if  I 
did,  be  would  proceed  againft  me  according  to 
law.  I  let  him  know  that  I  came  to  preach,  and 
preach  I  would  •,  and  farther  aiked  him  if  he  had 
authority  to  bind  the  confidences  of  the  people, 
or  if  he  was  a  juftice  of  the  peace  j  and  told  him 

I  thought 


(    57    ) 

I  thought  he  had  nothing  to  do  with  me.  He 
charged  me  with  making  a  fchifm.  I  told  him 
that  I  did  not  draw  the  people  from  the  church ; 
and  afked  him  if  his  church  was  then  open  ?  He 
told  me  that  I  hindered  people  from  their  work ; 
but  I  afked  him  if  fairs  and  horfe-races  did  not 
hinder  them  ?  And  farther  told  him  that  I  came 
to  help  him.  He  faid,  he  had  not  hired  me 
for  an  affiftant,  and  did  not  want  my  help.  I 
told  him,  if  there  were  no  fwearers  or  other  Tin- 
ners, he  was  fufficient.  But,  faid  he,  what  did 
you  come  for  ?  I  replied,  to  turn  finners  to  GOD. 
He  faid,  cannot  I  do  that  as  well  as  you  ?  I  told 
him  that  I  had  authority  from  GOEK  He  then 
laughed  at  me,  and  faid  you  are  a  fine  fellow  in- 
deed !  I  told  him  I  did  not  do  this  to  invali- 
date his  authority,  and  alfo  gave  him  to  under- 
ftand  that  I  did  not  wifli  to  difpute  with  him. 
but  he  faid  he  had  bufinefs  with  me,  and  came  in- 
to the  houfe  in  a  great  rage.  I  began  to  preach,. 
and  urged  the  people  to  repent  and  turn  from  all 
their  tranfgreffions,  fo  iniquity  fhould  not  prove 
their  ruin.  After  preaching  the  parfon  went 
out  and  told  the  people,  they  did  wrong  in  com- 
ing to  hear  me  ;  and  fakl  I  fpoke  again  ft  learn- 
ing. Whereas,  I  only  fpoke  to  this  purpofe,-^- 
when  a  man  turned  from  all  fin,  he  would  adorn 
every  character  in  life,  both  in  church  and  ftate. 
I  left  him  and  preached  at  Joh?i  R.'s>  at  feveiv 
o'clock. 

LordVday  14.  Preached  twice  with  very  lit- 
tle intermiffion,  to  many  people  collected  at  a 
fchool-houfe  hear  R.  T's  ;  and  then  rode  to  5. 
H.'s,  and  found  it  a  comfortable  time  while 
preaching  at  6  o'clock.  On  Monday  I  rode  to 
Neiv-caftle,  and  preached  to  a  large  company. 
My  foul  has  lately  been  much  bowed  down. 

Tuefday 


(    58    ) 

Tuefday  16.  There  were  but  few  people  at- 
tended preaching  at  Mr.  S.'s  ;  and  as  the  next 
day  was  wet,  I  (laid  and  had  a  family-meeting. 
OnThurfday  I  went  to  Mr.  T.'s.  My  mind  has 
been  much  affected  lately.  May  the  Lord  fup- 
port  and  teach  me  !  After  preaching  at  Mr.  T.'s, 
I  went  to  hear  a  New  Light  minifter,  and  found 
but  little  fatisfaotion. 

Lord's-day  it.  Though  it  rained  much,  yet 
many  people  attended  preaching  at  /.  i/.'s. 
Then  I  preached  at  a  place  about  live  miles  off ; 
and  rede  thence  to  Newcafle,  where  many  peo- 
ple attended  at  night.  The  Lord  favoured  me. 
My  mind  is  now  full  of  divine  peace.  Monday 
22,  I  fet  out  for  Bohemia  ;  and  though  my  body 
was  much  fatigued  with  the  ride,  and  my  head 
-ached  violently,  yet  in  the  evening  I  enforced 
thefe  words — Be  diligent ',  that  ye  may  be  found  of 
him  in  peace ',  without  fpoty  and  blame! efs  ;  and  en- 
deavoured to  (hew  them,  that  in  juftification  we 
have  peace  5  in  fa  notification  we  are  without 
fpot ;  and  in  perfect  love  we  are  blamelefs  ;  and 
then  proceeded  to  (hew  them  wherein  we  mull 
be  diligent. 

Tuefday  23.  On  my  way  to  Sufquehannah,  a. 
perfon  came  for  me  to  vifit  Mrs.  T.  in  a  dropfy. 
I  then  proceeded  to  J.  D.'s ;.  and  the  next  day 
fet  off  for  J.  P.'s,  to  attend  our  quarterly 
meeting.  Many  people  attended,  and  feveral 
friends  came  many  miles.  I  preached  from  Afis- 
xx.  28.  Take  heed  therefore  unto  purfelves9  &C. 
After  (hewing  to  whom  the  charge  was  given,  I 
proceeded  to  enforce  the  fubjeel  thus  ; 

I.     Take  heed  to  your  fpiiits. 

If.    Take  heed  to  your  practice. 

III.  Take- heed  to  your  doctrine. 

IV.  Take  heed  to  the  Sock, 

1.  Thofe 


(     S9     ) 

i.  Thofe  that  are  under  deep  conviction. 

2.  Thofe  that  are  true  believers. 

3.  Thofe  that  are  forely  tempted. 

4.  Thofe  that  are  groaning  for  full  redemp- 

tion. 

5.  Thofe  that  have  backflidden. 

I  then  urged  the  motives  to  this  duty.  We 
afterwards  proceeded  to  our  temporal  bufinefs, 
and  confidered  the  following  proportions. 

1.  "What  are  our  collections  ?  We.  found  them 
fufficient  to  defray  our  expences. 

2.  How  are  the  preachers  Rationed  ?  Brother 
S.  and  brother  O.  in  Frederick  county.  Brother 
K.  brother  IV.  and  /.  R.  -on  the  other  fide  of 
the  bay;  and  myfelf  in  Baltimore. 

3.  Shall  we  be  ftri£t.  in  our  fociety-meetings, 
.and  not  admit  ftrangers  ?  Agreed. 

4.  Shall  we  drop  preaching  in  the  day-time 
through  the  week  ?  Not  agreed  to. 

5.  Will  the  people  be  contented  without  our 
adminiftering  the  facrament  ?  J.  K.  was  neuter; 
brother  S.  plead  much  for  the  ordinances  ;  and  fo 
did  the  people,  who  appeared  to  be  much  biafed 
by  him.  I  told  them  I  would  not  agree  to  it  at 
that  time,  and  infilled  on  our  abiding  by  our  rules. 
But  Mr.  B.  had  given  them  their  way  at  the 
quarterly  meeting  held  here  before,  and  I  was  obli- 
ged to  connive  at  fome  things  for  the  fake  of 
peace. 

6.  Shall  we  make  collections  weekly,  to  pay 
the  preachers'  board  and  expences  ?  This  was  not 
agreed  to;  we  then  enquired  into  the  moral  charac- 
ters of  the  preachers  and  exhorters.  Only  one 
exhorter  wasfound  any  way  doubtful,  and  we  have 
greathopesof  him.  Brother  S.  received  /\8.  quar- 
terage ;  brother  K.  and  myfelf  £.  6.  each.   Great 

love 


(  fo  ) 

love  fubfifted  among  us  in  this  meeting,  and  we 
parted  in  peace. 

I  then  went  to  J.  jD.'s;  and  onChriftmas-day 
attended  the  church,  and  heard  parfon  TV.  preach 
a  plain  ufeful  fermon,  which  contained  much 
truth  j  and  afterwards  received  the  facrament. 
Then  rode  5  miles  to  Bu/h>  but  as  Mr.  S.  did  not 
give  public  notice,  few  people  attended  and  the 
preaching  was  late.  The  next  day  I  rode  to  /?. 
jP.'s,  where  we  had  a  large  congregation,  and  a 
very  comfortable  meeting.     On  the  fame  dry  at 

the  houfe   of  H.   W.  N.    W. s  fpoke  with 

great  care?  but  with  little   depth.     He  may  im- 
prove and  make  a  ufeful  preacher  in  time. 

LordVday  27.  Rode  to  the  widow  B.'s  and 
preached  twice,  with  very  little  imermifiion  to  a 
great  number  of  people.  Appointing  a  meeting 
in  the  evening,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  hearing 
./.  R.  exhort.  His  exhortation  was  coarfe  and 
loud  enough,though  with  fome  depth.  I  gave  him 
a  little  advice,  which  he  feemed  willing  to  take- 
Monday  28.  Many  people  of  various  kinds  at- 
tended at  ^.S.'s.  Preached  afterwards  at  /  MJ& 
in  the  evening,  and  went  thence  to  /  B — 's  and 
met  the  clafs. 

Tuefday  29,  At  Mr.  S.'s  I  found  great  peace 
of  mind,  and,  thanks  be  to  GOD,  had  power  in 
preaching,  though  the  people  were  dead  and  flu- 
pid.  The  next  day  at  Mr.  C.'s  I  had  many  people, 
and  preached  with  freedom  •,  then  went  to  G.'s, 
where  we   had  great  confolation. 

January  1,  1773.  My  body  has  been  weak  for 
fome  time,  but  my  mind  has  enjoyed  a  good  de- 
gree of  peace;  .and  I  have  a  ftrong  defire  to  be 
kept  in  the  meeknefs  of  Jefus  Chrift.  My  heart 
has  been  affected  by  reading  lately,  part  of  Sew- 
e!:s  hiflory  of  the  Quakers.     How  great  was  the 

fpirit 


(  6.  ) 

fpirit  of  perfection  in  New'EngJa?idi  when  fomc 
were  imprifoned,  fome  bad  their  ears  cut  off,  and 
fome  were  hanged  !  O  that  our  GOD  would  arife, 
and  bow  the  nations  to  himfelf ! 

January  2.  After  preaching,  to  -feveral  people 
at  J.  M.'s,  a  new  place,  I  then  rode  back  to  Mr. 
C.'s,  and  preached  in  the  evening. 

January  3.  Rode  to  Baltimore  and  had  a  large 
congregation  at  the  houfe  of  Captain  P.  at  the 
Point.  Many  of  the  principal  people  were  there  ; 
and  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  fpeak  with  power. 
At  night  I  preached  in  town.  The  houfe  was 
well  filled  with  people,  and  we  have  a  comfortable 
hope  the  work  of  the  Lord  will  revive  in  this 
place.  Blefs  the  Lord,  O  ye  faints  !  Holinefs  is 
is  the  element  of  my  foul.  My  earned  prayer  is, 
that  nothing  contrary  to  holinefs  may  live  in  me. 

Monday  4.  Rode  to  £.  <S.'s,  and  was  much  af- 
fected in  preaching  to  the  people.  I  then  met  and 
regulated  the  clafs. 

Tuefday  5.    They  wrere   kind  enough  to  [ 
me  the  court-houfe  in  town  ;   but  judging  it  un- 
fit, I  preached  in  another  houfe  \  then  met  the  ib- 
ciety  and  fettled  a  clafs  ofmen. 

Wednefday  6.  We  had  a  pretty  good  gather- 
ing at  N.  P — 's,  about  6  miles  from  town  ;  I  then 
rode  back  to  town,  and  after  preaching  with  com- 
fort  in  the  eVening,  I  formed  a  clafs  of  women. 

Thurfday  7.  Rofe  with  a  determination  to  live 
more  to  GOD.  Preached  twice  in  the  country, 
met  two  clafTes  and  fettled  them  as  well  as  I  could. 
The  clafs  at  Mr.  S.'s  were  lively  and  had  the 
power  of  GOD  among  them.  They  were  the  fruit 
of  N.  P — 's  labours,  and  many  cf  them  could  give 
a  good  account  of  their  experience. 

Fridays.   My  mind  is  fixed  on  GOD.  I  both 

deure  and  purpofe  to  exercife  fading,  prayer  zv.d 

F  faith. 


(      62      ) 

faith.  After  fome  exercifeof  mind,  the  Lord  en- 
abled me  to  preach  with  warmth  at  Mr.  M. 
from  thefe  words,  Be  not  ye  partakers  nvith 
them.  I  (hewed  Firft,  whom  the  words  were  fpo- 
ken  to.  Secondly,  with  whom  they  were  not  to  be 
partakers.  Thirdly,  how  they  were  not  to  partake 
with  them,  viz.  In  fpirit — in  judgment — in  prac- 
tice. 

LordVday,  January  10.  Many  people  attend- 
ed at  J'PSs  to  whom  I  preached  twice,  with  fome 
life,  and  then  went  3  miles  into  the  Neck;  and 
felt  much  power  while  preaching  on  perfect  love, 
the  more  I  fpeak  on  this  fubjecl,  the  more  my  foul 
is  filled  and  drawn  out  in  love.  This  doctrine  has 
a  great  tendency  to  prevent  people  from  fettling 
on  their  lees. 

Monday  11.  Preached  with  great  plainnefs  to 
many  people  at  D.  R,%  and  then  rode  to  Mr. 
£>.'s. 

Tuefday  12.  Rode  to  M.  B.'s,  but  as  they  had 
no  previous  notice,  we  collected  but  few.  How- 
ever, I  preached,  and  afterwards  returned  to  Mr. 
jD.'s,  and  preached  to  his  family. 

Thurfday  13.  It  was  late  before  I  reached  S. 
X.'s,  and  as  there  was  much  rain  and  fnow,  the 
company  was  fmall.  Young  Doctor  A — j-  took 
me  home  with  him.  The  young  man,  with  his 
ililer  and  mother  feemed  tender,  but  his  father  ap- 
peared to  be  a  (liff  old  man,  and  I  did  by  no  means 
like  his  fpirit. 

Friday  14.  Many  people  attended  preaching  at 
S.  F — 's.  I  was  fhut  up  in  fpeaking,  and  after- 
wards rode  home  with  friend  P. 

Saturday  ,15.  This  morning  I  rofe  to  glorify 
GOD,  with  a  determination  to  do  his  will,  and 
that  only,  to  be  wholly  ^devoted  to  the  Lord,  in 

fpirit, 


(  63  ) 

fpirit,  foul  and  body.     Many  people  came  to  hear 
the  word  of  life  to-day,  though  it  was  very  cold. 

Lord's-day  16.  Preaching  to-day  at  friend  P.'s, 
on  the  barren  fig-tree,  I  firfl  (hewed  that  it  was 
applicable  to  the  Jews,  and  fecondly  to  the  Pro- 
teftant  church ;  at  the  fame  time  defcribed  the 
barren  fig-tree  as — one  without  leaves — or,  one 
without  blolToms — or,  one  without  fruit — or,  one 
that  did  not  bear  fo  much  fruit  as  another  might 
bear. — I  then  rode  to  J.  Z).'s,  and  preached  to  his 
family  with  a  few  others.  On  Monday  but  few 
people  attended  at  B.'s  •,  and  in  the  evening  I 
preached  at  Mr.  Z>.'s,  but  was  (hut  up.  The  next 
day  many  country-people  came  to  hear  the  word 
at  Joppa^  though  but  few  from  the  town.  There 
are  about  forty  houfes  in  this  town,  and  it  (lands 
on  a  neck  of  land  near  the  water  ;  but  the  people? 
feem  to  be  buried  in  trade,  fenfuality  and  fuper- 
itition. 

Wednefday  19.  The  weather  being  cold,  there 
were  but  few  at  J,  B.'s ;  neverthelefs  I  preached 
— If  Ifrael  be  not  gathered,  yet  I  hope  to  be  the 
Lord's. 

Thurfday  20.  After  preaching  with  liberty  at 
Mr.  C.'s,  I  went  to  A.  C.'s,  and  found  life  in 
preaching  there.  The  next  day,  at  J.  M'sy  I 
preached  to  a  ft  up  id  company,  and  then  rode  to 
J.  C.'s.  I  was  favoured  with  liberty  indifpenfing 
the  blelTed  word  in  the  evening  at  J.  O.'s.  How 
pleafant  and  profitable  it  is  to  feel  divine  power 
in  public  exercifes  !  Saturday  I  rode  to  Baltimore 
and  had  a  large  congregation. 

Lord's-day  23.  I  preached  twice  at  the  P. '.,/, 
and  once  in  town.  On  Monday  my  heart  felt 
great  forrow.  This  day  I  wrote  to  my  mother, 
and  in  the  evening  found  great  confolation. 

F  2  Tuefdav 


(       64     ) 

Tuefday  25.  My  mind  was  wholly  given  up  to 
GOD,  and  I  have  a  great  hope  that  the  gofpei 
v/ill  yet  fpread  in  this  town.  On  Wednesday  there 
was  a  moving  among  the  people  while  I  preached 
at  N.  TVs  ;  and  afterwards  returning  to  town, 
preached  in  the  evening.  On  Thurfday  I  felt  pow- 
er and  life  in  my  foul,  while  preaching  to  a  large 
number  of  people  at  Mr.  G.'s.  On  Friday  I 
preached  in  the  Neck  and  at  Jcppa. 

Saturday  29.  Perceiving  the  great  wickednefs 
of  the  people  who  were  fvvearing  and  drinking  in 
a  tavern,  great  flruggles  arofe  in  my  mind  about: 
preaching  there  ;  however,  I  broke  through  every 
difficulty,  and  felt  both  life  and  power  in  difpen- 
iing  the  word  among  them. 

Lord's-day  30.  This  was  a  day  of  power  and 
comfort.  1  rode  to  J.  iVs,  preached  three  times., 
and  met  the  claries.  Many  of  the  people,  through 
grace,  were  able  to  give  a  good  account  of  their 
experience. 

February  1.  Was  favoured  in  preaching  to  a 
number  of  people  at  Z>.  R.'s  ;  and  my  mind  has 
been  kept  by  the  grace  of  GOD. 

Tuefday  2.  Was  greatly  afhfled  in  preaching 
to-day,  both  at  Swan-Creek  and  Mr.  ZVs.  The 
next  morning  I  breakfafted  with  R.  D.  and  found 
that  he  was  very  fond  of  Mr.  L.'s  works.  He 
treated  me  with  great  kindnefs.  After  preach- 
ing and  meeting  the  fociety  at  the  ferry,  I  went 
to  J.  G.'s,  a  man  much  talked  of,  but  what  he  is 
I  know  not.  In  principle  he  appeared  to  be  a 
ghtaker.  He  was  much  troubled  with  the  gout, 
which  he  told  me  his  father  had  before  him.  He 
faid,  his  father  cured  himfelf  of  the  gout  by  milk 
and  moderate  diet  ;  but  threw  himfelf  into  a 
dropfy.     On  Thurfday,  after  preaching  at  Deer- 

Creek, 


(    »5     ) 

Creel y  I  rode  to  B.  P.'s.     My  prefent  purpofe  is 
to  put  all  the  people  who  are  fit  for  it  into  bands. 

Friday  5.  Many  people  attended  at  F.'s,  and 
my  foul  was  enlarged  in  preaching  to  them.  I 
then  rode  back  to  B.  P.'s,  and  put  the  people 
into  bands  as  I  had  defigned. 

Saturday  6.  My  mind  was  calm  and  fer 
this  morning.  I  preached  with  fome  power,  and 
I  we  had  a  comfortable  meeting.  IV.  D.  a  lad  a- 
bout  1 6  or  17  years  of  age,  exhorted  the  people. 
He  appeared  to  be  a  promifuig  youth,  and  I  gave 
him  a  licence  to  exhort. 

Lord's-day  7.  Some   great  critics   attends 
the  preaching-houfe  to-day,  but  I  preach* 
and  fpoke  freely. 

Monday  8.  Though  the  weather  was  very  cold3 
I  went  to  W.  B.'s  and  enforced  on  a  dull  congre- 
gation, thefe  awful  words  of  our  Lord,  What^ 
it  profit  a  man  if  he  ft)  all  gain  the  whole  world,  and 
lofe  bis  own  foul.  I  went  afterwards  to  the  widow 
J3.'s,  and  fpoke  clofely  to  the  girls,  who  appeared 
to  be  fomewhat  ferious. 

Tuefday  9.  After  preaching  to  more  people 
than  ufual  at  A.  S.'s,  I  went  to  B.'s  in  the  even- 
ing, and  both  met  the  clafs  and  formed  fome 
bands.  I  alfo  gave  them  a  copy  of  the  proper  deed 
for  fecuring  their  preaching-houfe. 

Wednefday  10.  I  went  to  C.'s  and  preached. 
This  perhaps  will  be  the  lad  time,  for  it  is  a  dis- 
orderly houfe.  I  then  went  to  A.  G.'s  and  preach- 
ed with  fome  comfort.  There  is  room  to  hope 
that  the  Lord  will  do  fome  thing  for  the  people 
here. 

Thurfday  11.  The  congregation  was  large  at 
J.  A/7s,  and  I  preached  with  plainnefs,  fo  that 
the  fleepy  people  feemed  to  awake.  I  then,  went 
back  to  C.'s,  and  preached  with  fome  fatisfaction  ; 

F  3 


(     66     ). 

but  Satan  was   clofe  at   my  heels  ;  however,  the 
Lord  gave  me  power  to  refill:  him. 

Friday  12.  The  Lord  enables  me  to  (land  fail 
in  the  midft  of  temptations.  My  foul  poflbfles 
ird  and  fpiritual  power.  Many  people  attend- 
ed preaching  to-day  at  J.  O's  j  1  afterwards  met 
the  clafs,  and  then  gave  an  exhortation  in  the 
evening. 

Lord's-day  14.  Many  country  people  came  to 
hear  the  word  of  GOD  at  the  Point ;  fome  came 
12  miles  before  thofe  of  the  town  had  left  their 
houfes  ;  perhaps  before  fome  of  them  had  left  their 
1  found  fome  life  and  power  in  preaching 
both  at  the  Point  and  in  Baltimore. 

Monday   15.    Role    this    morning    with  holy 

of  GOP  j  and  we  had  a  good   time   in 

:c  worfiiip, 

Weunefday  17.  I  preached  and  met  thefociety; 

and  employed  Mr.  M.  to  draw  up  a  deed  for  the 

houfe  in  Gwi-powder  Neck. 

Thurfdav  *8.  Preached   with   power,  both  at 
N.  P.'s  and  Mr.  C'.'s. 
Friday  19.  A  few  people  attended  at  Mr.  M.ys: 
ng  afterwards    about   4   miles  to   Mr.  D.'s,  I 
preached  and   met  the  fociety  ;  moil  of  them  ap- 
peared to  be  under  a  good  work  of  grace. 

Lord's-day  21.    The    weather  was   exceffively 

-'■:,  yet  many   people  came  to  hear  the  word 

.  P.'s.     I  rode  about  6  or   7  miles  to  preach 

but  never  felt  colder  weather. '   The 

r  froze  as  it  run  from  the  horfes  noltnls  ;  and 

rend  £ajd  the  water  froze  as  it  came  from  his 

eyes.    However,  after  preaching  to  a  few  people, 

I  returned. 

:.-  22.  I  had  16  miles  to  ride  to  preach  to 

a  few  people,   and    5  more  to   J.  D.'s  to  get  my 

tier.   I  have  fullered  a  little  by  lodging  in  open 

houfes 


(     <57     ) 

houfes  this  cold  weather,  but  this  is  a  very  fmali 
thing  when  compared  to  what  the  dear  Redeemer 
fufiered  for  the  falvation  of  precious  fouls. 

Tuefday  23.   Glory  to  GOD  !   I  had  peace. 

Wedriefday  24.  After  preaching  with  plainnefs 
to  a  ccnfiderable  number  of  people,  I  then  went 
to  J.  ZX's,  where  many  people  attended,  and  we 
had  a  comfortable  time.  My  old  opponent  Mr. 
E.  met  me  here,  but  he  did  not  appear  fo  forward 
as  he  had  been.  I  rode  thence  to  Rocky-run ,  and 
preached  there  with  fatisfaclion.  Mr.  G'.  and  his 
wife  treated  me  with  great  kindnefs. 

Thurfday  25.  I  had  a  good  time  and  many 
people  at  Mr.  Z.'s.  Two  letters  came  to  hand  to- 
day, one  from  Tbrk,  and  one  from  Philadelphia. 
They  intreat  me  to  return,  and  inform  me  that 
trouble  is  at  hand.  But  I  cannot  fear  while  my 
heart  is  upright  with  GOD.  I  feek  nothing  but 
him  >  and  fear  nothing  but  his  difpleafure. 

Lord's-day  28.  After  preaching  yeflerday  at  S. 
jF.'s,  I  returned  to  friend  P.'s  and  preached  twice 
to-day.  Then  rode  to  Mr.  D.'s,  and  fpent  the 
evening  comfortably. 

Monday  March  1.  Mr.  D.  and  myfelf  rode 
to  £.'s  where  I  fpoke  with  great  plain nefs of  fpeech. 
There  appears  to  be  forne  reafon  to  doubt  of  rhe 
people  in  general  here  ;  though  the  young  wo- 
men feem  to  be  deeply  ferious  and  thoughtful. 
I. then  went  to  captain  5 — *s  ;  but  found  very  lit- 
tle fatisfaclion.  The  man  and  his  wife  are,  I 
fear,  too  fond  of  their  own  opinions.  After 
preaching  here,  I  went  to  J3.'s  again,  and  fpent 
fome  time  in  ferious  converfation ;  I  afterwards 
prayed  and  gave  an  exhortation.  I  then  rode  to 
M.\  and  preached  ;  and  returned  to  C — 's  and 
preached  there  :  but  found  the  old  man  too  much 
of  a  Quaker   in  principle.     He    objects    againll 

prayer 


(   W   ) 

prayer  in.  his  family  ;  and  greatly  difcourages  his 
daughter,  who  ftrives  to  live  in  the  fear  of  GOD. 

Friday  March  5.  "Went  to  J,  O.'s,  where  we 
had  a  melting  time  ;  and  the  people  feemed  much 
affected  both  in  the  day  and  in  the  evening.  Sa- 
tan has  affaulted  me  very  much  of  late  :  but  hi- 
therto the  Lord  hath  helped  and  delivered  me.  I 
came  next  to  Baltunore,  and  had  many  to  hear 
the  word. 

Saturday  6  Went  to  the  Point,  but  the  peo- 
ple feemed  very  hard  in  their  minds.  In  the 
evening  at  Baltimore,  we  had  a  moving,  melting 
feafon.  I  humbly  believe  the  labour  was  not  in 
vain. 

Monday  8.  Rofe  this  morning  with  a  determi- 
nation to  fight  or  die ;  and  fpent  an  hour  in 
earned  prayer.  Lord  keep  me  ever  watchful.  I  was 
alfo  much  comforted  by  a  letter  which  I  lately  re- 
ceived from  R.  0.  part  of  which  was  as  follows, 
"  I  know  not  what  it  will  come  to.  Almoft  every 
"  perfon  feems  to  be  under  a  religious  concern. 
"  There  are  about  22  perfons  already  joined  in 
"  fociety  at  Seneca.  At  George-town  four  have 
"  been  lately  enabled  to  rejoice  in  GOD  ;  and  one 
"  at  Rocky-creek.  Bleffed  be  GOD  -,  who  hath 
"  not  forgotten  to  be  gracious." 

Tuefday  9.  This  was  a  day  of  fweet  peace  to 
my  foul.  Went  to  dine  with  one  Mr.  L — ,  and 
found  him  and  his  wife  both  ferious.  Preached 
in  the  evening  with  power. 

Wednefday  10.  I  went  to  N.  P — 's.  It  was 
a  rainy  morning ;  but  a  time  of  power  to  thofe 
who  were  prefent.  In  going  thence  to  Mr.  G.'s, 
it  was  with  great  difficulty  we  croiTed  the  water. 
The  next  morning  I  fet  off  for  Gun- powder-neck  ,• 
but  found  the  Great-falls  very   high  j  however,  I 

got 


(     *9     ) 

got  there  about  one  o'clock,  and  found  it  a  good 
time  while  preaching  the  word  of  GOD. 

Friday  12.  Preached  a  funeral  fermon  at  jfw 
JV.'s  from  IfaiahWn.  I,  2. — The  righteous  perifJj- 
eth  and  no  man  layeth  it  to  heart  ;  and  merciful  men 
are  taken  away,  none  conjtderihg  that  the  righteous 
is  taken  away  from  the  evil  to  come.  He  Jhall  reft  in 
peace  ;  they  pall  rejl  in  their  bedsy  each  one  walking 
in  his  uprighincfs.  This  was  a  folcmn  time  in- 
deed. What  melting  and  weeping  appeared 
among  the  people  !  There  was  fcarce  a  dry  eye 
to  be  feen.  O  that  it  may  not  be  as  feed  fown  by 
the  way-fide  !  After  preaching  I  rode  to  Mr.  D.'s, 
and  met  with  brother  K.  and  brother  IV.  and 
found  myfelf  abundantly  comforted  in  their  com- 
pany. 

Lord's-day  14.  Preached  at  Bohemia.  There 
were  but  few  people ;  though  it  was  a  melting 
time.  Rode  then  to  S.  H.\  but  was  much  (hut 
up  in  preaching. 

Monday  15.  Found  my  mind  this  morning, 
free  to  do  the  will  of  GOD ;  and  was  more  than 
ever  flrengthened  in  prayer.  But  fet  out  for  Wor- 
ton  to-day,  with  my  mind  depreft  in  fuch  a  man- 
ner, as  I  hardly  ever  felt  it  before.  In  my  journey 
my  heart  funk  within  me  •>  and  I  knew  not  why. 
Ar  a  certain  Mr.  JD.'s,  at  the  Crofs-roads,  many 
people,  who  appeared  to  be  llrangers  to  the  truths 
were  waiting  to  hear  the  word.  I  flood  at  the 
door  and  declared — The  time  is  fulfilled)  the  king- 
dom of  GOD  is  at  hand.  I  fpoke  with  great  feel- 
ing, and  exerted  myfelf  much,  but  could  not  get 
my  fpirit  free.  Thev  perfuaded  me  to  (lay  all 
night  \  but  it  was  as  if  I  had  been  bound  in  chains. 

Tuefday  16.  Went  to  R.'s,  and  found  myfelf 
delivered  from  my  (hackles;  but  Mill  my  fpirit  is 
not  altogether  at  home  \  it  longs  for  GOD.  I  do 

humbly 


(     70     ) 

humbly   and  confidently  hope,    to  live  more   to 
GOD  than  ever.     Lord,  keep  me  every  moment. 

Wednefday  17.  Went  down  to  the  lower 
church,  but  with  fome  backwardnefs  of  mind. 
However  there  were  many  people  who  were  dill 
and  attentive  ;  and  I  felt  a  melting  fenfe  of  GOD 
in  my  own  foul. 

Friday  18.  I  fpoke  with  power  to  many  people 
at  Newcastle.  Went  thence  to  Wilmington,  and 
fpoke  to  a  few  people  with  great  feeling. 

Lord's-day  20.  But  few  attended  at  /.  H.\, 
becaufe  of  the  rain  ;  but  I  felt  myfelf  greatly  af- 
fifted.  Went  thence,  through  the  rain  to  New- 
port, where  many  people  attended  in  the  evening. 
They  appeared  to  have  very  little  fenfe  of  religi- 
ous things. 

Monday  21.  Being  a  rainy  day,  we  fet  out  late 
for  Marlborough.  There  was,  notwithftanding, 
a  large  congregation  waiting.  Though  unwell  I 
gave  them  an  exhortation  at  night,  and  /.  R* 
preached.  He  has  been  of  fome  ufe  to  the  people 
here. 

Tuefday  22.  My  mind  was  ferene  ;  and  I  felt 
a  nearnefs  to  GOD — a  determination  to  live  to 
him  alone. 

Went  to  T.  EJs>  and  felt  much  life  while 
preaching  to  a  large  company  there  ;  but  was  af- 
flicted with  a  violent  pain  in  the  head. 

Wednefday  23.  Many  great  people  attended 
the  preaching  at  IV.'s  ;  and  we  had  a  comforta- 
ble time.  Rode  thence  to  S.  i/.'s  :  many  Quakers- 
were  prefent,  and  it  was  a  moving  feafon — I  then 
went  about  twenty  miles,  through  wet  weather 
and  bad  roads  to  Mr.  5T.'s.  The  night  was  very, 
dark,  the  road  was  through  the  woods,  and  it  was 
late  before  we  reached  the  place  ;  but,  by  the  help 
©f  a  good  guide,  I  got  there  fafe  at  laft. 

"In 


(     7'     ) 

"  In  all  my  ways,    thy  hand  I  own, 
Thy  ruling  Providence  I  fee ; 
O  help  me  (till  my  courfe  to  run, 
And  Hill  direct  my  paths  to  thee." 

I  was  fomewhat  troubled  to  hear  of  Mr.  W — 
who  had  printed  fome  of  Mr.  Wejleys  books  for 
the  fake  of  gain.  This  will  not  do.  It  does  by  no 
means  look  well. 

Friday  25.  Many  young  people  attended  among 
others,  at  Chrifeen-bridge,  while  I  preached  from 
Eccle.  xi.  o.  Rejoice,  O young  man,  in  thy  youth,  and 
let  thy  heart  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and 
tualk  in  the  ways  of  thy  heart,  and  in  the  fight  of  thine 
eyes  :  but  know  thou,  that  for  all  thefe  things  GOD 
will  bring  thee  into  judgment.  Deep  ferioufnefs 
fat  on  the  faces  of  all ;  and  the  mouths  of  many 
gainfayers  were  in  a  great  meafure  Hopped. 

Saturday  27.  Rode  to  Bohemia,  and  lodged 
with  a  Prefbyterian  elder.  The  next  day*  I 
preached  in  the  fchool-houfe.  But  thefe  people 
who  profefs  religion,  could  fcarce  be  ferious  dur- 
ing  the  time   of    preaching.     Mr.   B ,  and 

fome  other  great  oppofers  of  our  doclrine,  were 
prefent  at  5.  H.'s  at  three  o'clock  :  I  therefore 
changed  my  purpofe,  and  preached  from  John  iii. 
23.  And  this  is  his  commandment,  that  we  fbould 
believe  on  the  name  of  his  fin  Jefus  Chrifl,  and  love 
one  another ;  as  he  gave  us  commandment.  And  I 
had  great  hope  that  it  was  well  received. 

Monday  29.  Rode  twenty  miles  to  Sufquehan- 
nah  ;  and  juft  got  in,  almofl  fpent,  time  enough 
to  preach  at  3  o'clock.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath 
helped.  Praifed,  for  ever,  be  his  dear  and  blef- 
fed  name. 

Tuefday,  3©.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began. 
After  I  had  preached,  we  proceeded  to  bufinefs  : 

and 


(    72     ) 

and  in  our  little  conference,  the  following  que- 
ries were  propounded,  viz. 

i .  Are  there  no  diforderly  perfons  in  our  claf- 
fes  ?  It  was  thought  not. 

2.  Does  not  dram-drinking  too  much  prevail 
among  our  people  ? 

3.  Do  none  contract  debts  without  due  care  to 
pay  them  ?  We  found  that  this  evil  is  much 
avoided  among  our  people. 

4.  Are  the  band-meetings  kept  up  ? 

5.  Is  there  nothing  immoral  in  any  of  our 
preachers  ? 

6.  "What  preachers  travel  now,  and  where  are 
they  ftationed  ?  It  was  then  urged  that  none  mufl 
break  our  rules,  under  the  penaly  of  being  ex- 
cluded from  our  connexion.  All  was  fettled  in 
the  moil  amicable  manner.  Mr.  S.  preached  a  good 
and  ufeful  fermon  from  Joel  ii.  17.  Let  the  prieJIs, 
the  mhiijlers  of  the  Lord,  weep  between  the  porch 
and  the  altar,  £5V.  Many  people  were  prefent  at 
our  love-feaft,  among  whom  were  feme  Gran- 
gers :  but  all  were  deeply  ferious,  and  the  power 
of  GOD  was  prefent  indeed.  Brother  O.  preach- 
ed a  very  alarming  fermon,  and  brother  S.  gave 
a  moving  exhortation.  The  whole  ended  in 
great  peace.  And  we  all  went,  in  the  flrength 
of  the  Lord,  to  cur  feveral  appointments. 

Saturday  3.  Preached  at  Baltimore,  where  we 
had  a  comfortable  meeting.  Lord's  day  4.  I  de- 
livered a  funeral  difcourfe,  but  was  much  ihut 
up  in  my  mind.  Went  thence  to  the  Fore/},  and 
preached  at  7  o'clock,  with  great  comfort.  Se- 
veial  rich  people  attended  preaching  the  Jalt  three 
days,  and  did  not  feem  difpleafed  with  the  plain 
truths  of  the  gcfpel.  One  or  two  perfons  here 
feem  to  be  groaning  for  full  redemption.  My 
heart  is  grieved  that  I  have  not  been  entirely  de- 
voted 


(     73     ) 

voted  to  GOD  ;  but  have  great  reafon  to  be 
thankful,  that  I  feel  more  and  moie  defire  after 
GOD. 

Thurfday  8.  I  left  Baltimore.  J.  K.  and 
three  exhorters  being  prefent,  we  held  a  watch- 
night  at  iVs  and  the  Lord  was  powerfully  with 
us. 

Friday  9.  Preached  at  L.'s  with  power.  But 
found  it  a  heavy  crofs,  while  preaching  at  Mr. 
G'.'s. 

Lord's  day  11.  Preached  at  Bohemia  ;  but  the 
people  there  feemed  to  be  but  little  affected.  Rode 
thence  to  S.  i/.'s  where  many  people  attended  ; 
and  I  was  enabled  to  fpeak  with  folemnity  from. 
Deut.  xxx.  19.  I  have  fet  before  you  life  and 
death,  C3V.  Went  thence  to  Neiv-Cajlle,  but 
found  them  out  of  order.  Then  rode  to  Red- 
Clay  Creel,  where  I  preached  with  power. 

Tuefday  13.  Many  people  came  to  hear  the 
word  at  Mount-Pleafant. 

Wednefday  14.  Came  very  weary  to  Philadel- 
phia ;  but  the  fight  of  my  friends  greatly  revived 
me ;  and  all  feem  to  be  in  peace. 

Tuefday  proved  to  be  a  day  of  peace  to  my 
soul;  part  of  which  I  fpent  in  vi  filing  the  people. 
The  next  day  I  was  employed  in  writing  to  Eng- 
land ;  and  after  preaching  in  the  evening  with 
power  I  went  to  reft  in  fweet  peace,  and  awoke 
in  the  morning  in  the  fame  frame  of  fpirit. — 
May  this  day  be  fpent  to  the  glory  of  GOD  j  and 
may  my  foul  yet  praife  him  more  and  more. 

On  Wednefday  after  fpending  a  part  of  the  day 
in  vifiting,  I  preached  in  the  evening  from  thefe 
words,  So  tue  fee  that  they  could  not  enter  in,  be- 
caufe  of  unbelief :  and  humbly  hope  it  was  not  la- 
bour in  vain,  while  unbelief,  that  destructive  root 
of  all  other  fin,  was  expofed  to  the  people. 

G  On 


(     74     ) 

-  On  Thurfday  there  was  an  appointment  for 
me  to  preach  art  Newtown.  Brother  S.  and  my- 
ielf  crofled  the  Eaft-River,  but  it  was  with  diffi- 
culty that  we  obtained  horfes.  We  then  attempted 
to  proceed  on  our  way  ;  but  it  was  a  fevere  morn- 
ing, with  much  (now  and  wind.  The  fnow  came 
full  in  our  faces,  fo  that  after  riding  a  few  miles 
we  were  loft  in  the  dorm,  and  imperceptibly  turn- 
ed our  courfe  back  towards  New-fork ;  which 
we  never  discovered  till  we  overtook  fome  people 
on  the  road.  We  then  crofTed  the  river  back  to 
the  city,  where  I  continued  till  Monday. 

Friday,  I  preached  at  fork  on  thefe  words,  The 
,L:rd  is  good,  ajlrong  hold  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;  and 
fert  life  and  power  in  difpenfing  the  word.  On 
-Saturday  I  vifited  the  iick  and  gave  an  exhorta- 
tion to  the  people. 

Lord's-day  4.  After  preaching  in  the  morning 
oh  Heb.  xii.  15.  I  went  in  the  afternoon  to  church 
and  heard  Mr.  E.  preach  a  ufeful  fermon  ;  in  the 
evening  I  preached  with  much  freedom  on  Ecclef. 
~<i.  9.  Rejoice ,  O  young  man,  in  thy  fouth,  &c» 
The  young  people  appeared  deeply  ferious.  May 
the  bleffing  of  the  Lord  attend  it,  and  great  fruit 
appear  in  time  to  come!  The  next  day  I  rode  to 
Blodrnifigdafe,  and  preached  with  fatisfac~tion,  and 
then  returned  home  and  found  it  a  bleffing  to  la- 
bour in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  both  in  feafon, 
and  out  of  feafon — On  Tuefday  morning  my  mind 
was  clear,  my  heart  was  fixed  on  GOD,  and 
Chrift  was  precious.  Blefs  the  Lord,  O  my  foul ! 
New-fork  is  a  large  city,  and  well  fituated  for 
trade  -,  but  the  ilreets  and  buildings  are  very  ir- 
regular. The  inhabitants  are  of  various  denomi- 
nations, but  neverthelefs  of  a  courteous  zndfociable 
difpofition.  There  are  feveral  places  of  divine 
v.orlhip  :  The Epifcopalians  have  three  ;  the  High 

Dutch, 


(    75     ) 

Dutch,  one;  the  Low  Dutch,  three  ;  the  Lutherans* 
two  ;  the  French  Protejlants^  one  ;   the  Pre/bj 
ans,  two  ;   the  Secedcrs,   one  ;   the   Baptifls,    one  ; 
the  Moravians,    one  •,   the    Metbodifts,  one  ; 
the  yW-j-,  one.  The  city  abounds  with  inhabitants ; 
but  the  exact  number  I  could  not  afcertain* 

Wednefday.     My  Soul  enjoyed   great;    peace, 
and  the   day  was  partly  fpent   in   religious   \ 
The  next  day  my  mind  was  in  the  fame  con, 
able    frame  ;   and  holy  thoughts   of  GOD,   with 
firong  defiresto  do  ail  things  with  a  (ingle  eye  t.o 
his  glory,  as  we'd  as  to  follow  his  divine  prec 
poiTeiTed  my  peaceful  heart. 

Friday  9.  This  day  was,  as  yefterday,  a  day  of 
peace  ;  and  it  was  with  great  faiisfac-tdon  I  preach- 
ed in   the  evening,  though  cold,  to  a  confiderable 
number  of  people,  on  the  much  neglected  du 
fclf-ilcnlil— 

Lord's-day  11.  I    went  through    my  morning 
exerches  in  church  as  ufual,  and  in  the  afternoon 
heard  Mr.  C.  preach  a  good  fermon  ;  but  a  more 
gay  and  indevout  congregation  I  have  feldom  Hccd; 
they  were  talking,  laughing,    fcivi/ig,   and    trifling 
both  with  GOD  and  their  minifter,  as  well  aswith- 
their  own   unawakencd  fouls — On  Tuefciay  I  too'; 
my  leave  of  York,  after  preaching  from  Philippians, 
i.  9.   with   an    intention  to   fpend  fome    time  on 
fjtaien-IJlandi  on  my  way  to  Philadelphia,    Du 
my  [lay  on  the  Ifland,    1  preached  feveral  ti 
with  power  and  fatisfaclion ;  but  was  fometi 

iy  aflaulted  by  Satan.  Hitherto  the  Lord 
hath  helped  me.  Glory  to  his  name!  He  pre- 
fcrvjs  and  big  fifes  my  foul — He  fupplies  me 
all  things  rjeceflary  for  the  prefervation  and  h< 
of  my  body.  May  I  be  ever  careful  topleafe  him, 
a  ad,  devote  all  the  powers  of  body  and  foul  to  his 
fervice, 

Ti  r  i 

nui 


(  1<>  ) 

Thurfday  15.  I  preached  for  the  firft  time,  on 
this  vifit,  in  Philadelphia,  on  Ruth  ii.  4.  Many 
people  attended,  and  the  Lord  filled  my  heart  with 
holy  gladnefs.     All  things  are  in  peace  here. 

From  Saturday  17  till  Thurfday  the  22,  was 
fpent  in  the  Jerfeys ;  where  I  preached  at  different 
places,  and  often  to  large  congregations.  The 
Lord  was  frequently  with  me  in  mercy  and  powers 
and  my  heart  was  greatly  enlarged.  How  I  long 
to  be  more  holy — to  live  more  with  GOD,  and 
for  GOD.  Troubles  encompafs  me  about,  but 
the  Lord  is  my  helper.  Before  my  return  to  Phi- 
ladelphia, I  had  the  pleafure  of  feeing  the  founda- 
tion laid  of  a  new  preaching-houfe  35  feet  by  30. 
Then  I  returned  and  preached  on  Thurfday  even- 
ing, the  Lord  being  with  me. 

Friday  23.  This  morning  my  mind  was  in  a  calm 
and  even  frame — fweetly  fixed  on  GOD  as  its 
prime  objeci.  But  I  greatly  long  for  more  grace — 
to  receive  efteem  or  difefteem  with  equal  cheer- 
fulnefs — to  be  fomething  or  nothing,  as  GOD 
would  have  me  to  be.  My  heart  was  at  liberty, 
while  employed  in  fpeaking  for  GOD  this  even- 
ing. 

Tuefday  27.  The  Lord  has  gracioufly  afhfted 
me  in  preaching  every  day  5  and  my  defires  to  be 
entirely  devoted  do  ftill  encreafe.  But  alas  !  what 
caufe  have  I  to  mourn  the  want  of  life  and  zeal, 
both  in  public  and  private  duties.  Nevertheiefs, 
it  is  my  determination  to  offer  all  I  have  to  GOD. 
May  he  give  me  more  to  offer,  and  gracioufly  ac- 
cept the  offering  made — Had  much  converfation 
with  A.  W.  but  found  him  unwilling  to  fpend  all 
his  time  in  travelling.  However,  he  agreed  to  take 
a  part  with  L  K.  So  my  intention  is  to  fend  them 
to  the  upper  part  of  the  Jerfeys,  where  they  may 
labour  alternatively,  a  fortnight  at  a  time. 

G  2  Thurfday 


(     77     ) 

Thurfday  29.  Mr.  S.  is  juft  come   from 
fond,  with  ftrange  accounts  of  their  ca!vinifticd:i- 
putes.   My  mind  is  rather  low,  but  ferene  an 
ritual,    and  determined   to   fellow    Chriil.     How 
greatly  do    I    long  to  die  to  every  object,   which 
does  not  lead  me  to  GOD  !    Bteffed  mailer. 
ten  the  time,   when  I  lhail  love  thee  according  to 
the  full   extent  of    that  deiire  which  thou 
given  me. 

Saturday  31.  This  was  a  day  cf  delight  ft:! 
to   my  foul.     After  preaching  in  the  morning    I 
fpent  part  of  the  day  in  vifttmg  fo me  fouls  in 
trefs.     In  the  evening  preachc  1    t] 

words,   Cut  it  clown,  why  cumbertth 
My  mind  was  much  enlarged,  perhaps  to  the 
Luce  of  fome,  while  mewing  the  particular  n 
of  fuch  as  do  but  cumber  the  ground  in  the  Lord's 
vineyard. 

Lord's-day,  May  2.  My  foul  was  favoured,  b 
yefterdayand  this  morning,  with  delightful  and  in- 
timate acceffes  to  GOD.  In  preaching  this  morn- 
ing from  thefe  words,  Try  the  jplrits,  whether  the-) 
be  of  GOD,  I  tool;  occafion  to  i'hew,  ift.  That: 
this  is  the  duty  of  all  that  profefs  religion  ;  and 
2dly.  That  they  fhould  bring  their  experience  and 
practice  to  the  word  of  GOD,  to  know  if  they 
be  genuine — After  preaching  to  a  large  congre- 
gation in  the  evening  I  met  the  fociety,  and 
thought  it  neceflaiy  to  deal  clofely  with  the  mem- 
bers. 

Thurfday  6.  After  fpending  a  few  days  in  a 
country  tour,  preaching  to  many  people  at  Gojhen, 
Marlborough  and  other  places,  with  fome  affift- 
ance  ;  I  returned  and  preached  in  Philadelphia  this 
evening,  on  the  fubject  of  the  (tony  ground-hear- 
ers. Some  perhaps  were  difpleafed  with  me. 
I  mud  declare  the  whole  counfel  of  GOD,    and 


(     78     ) 

leave  the  event  to  him.  This  day  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Wefley  came  to  hand,  dated  March  2d.  in 
which  he  informs  me,  that  the  time  of  his  com- 
ing over  to  America  is  not  yet,  being  detained  by 
the  building  of  the  new  chapel. 

Lord's-day  9.  My  heart  was  much  affected  laft 
evening,  while  many  of  the  people  felt  the  power 
of  GOD.  And  this  day  my  foul  was  filled  with 
fweet  peace.  I  had  alfo  the  pleafure  of  hearing 
Mr.  T.  preach  with  great  fenfibility. 

Monday  10.  Vifiting  feveral  families  to  day, 
afforded  me  great  comfort  of  mind  ;  and  in 
preaching  this  evening,  with  clofe  application  to 
thofe  who  purfue  earthly  more  than  heavenly 
pleafnree,  my  foul  was  filled  with  peace. 

Travelling  through  the  Jerfeys  I  met  with{  W. 
B.  a  man  who  has  a  great  regard  for  us, but  feems 
to  be  tco  much  taken  up  with  worldly  cares.  But 
fpeaking  faithfully  and  clofely  to  him,  1  (hewed 
him  the  deceitfulnefs  of  riches,  in  producing  a 
fpirit  of  independence  towards  GOD,  hardnefs  of 
heart,  and  pride  in  its  various  forms,  while  they 
promife  us  fafety  and  happinefs. 

Thurfday  13.  Through  much  rain  I  returned 
wet  and  weary  to  Philadelphia,  after  having 
preached  at  feveral  places  in  the  Jerfeys ,  and 
fometimes  with  much  freedom  and  power.  Many 
people  attended  this  evening,  while  I  defcribed  an 
honell  and  good  heart,  under  the  fimilitude  of  the 
good  ground  which  received  the  feed  and  brought 
forth  fruit.  This  was  free  from  the  hardnefs  of 
the  way-fide*  from  the  fhallownefs  of  the  ftony- 
ground,  and  from  the  obftructions  of  the  thorny 
ground.  The  honefty  of  the  heart  appears  in  its 
conduct  towards  GOD,  towards  all  mankind,  and 
towards  itfelf.  As  our  Lord  is  pleafed  to  deno- 
minate fuch  an  heart  good  as  well  as  honeft,  is  it 
G  3  not 


(    79    ) 

not  very  wrong  for  a  Chriftian  to  fay  he  has  a  bad 
heart  ?  Is  not  all  that  the  Holy  Ghoft  produces, 
good?  And  fo  far  as  thatblefled  Spirit  has  changed 
the  heart  of  a  believer,  is  it  not  good?  Through  the 
unmerited  grace  of  GOD,  I  have  no  defire  to 
feck  any  thing  but  Him,  and  that  which  may  lead 
me  to  Him. 

LordVday  16.  In  preaching  this  morning  from 
Gen.  xviii.  19.  I  ftrongly  enforced  the  great  ne- 
ceflity  of  relative  duties  ;  and  very  pointedly  preft 
the  fame  in  meeting  the  fociety  at  night. 

Monday  17.  All  this  day  I  was  very  unwell 
with  a  fore  throat  and  violent  pain  in  my  head  ; 
but  I.  K.  providentially  came  in  and  fupplied 
my  place.  My  indifpofition  continued  alio  on 
Tuefdiy,  fo  that  I  had  but  little  power  to  read  or 
think  \  but  on  Wednefday  I  found  myfelf,  through 
mercy,  much  better.  Although  my  body  is  weal:, 
my  foul  is  ftrong  in  the  grace  of  GOD.  May 
my  heart,  my  lips,  my  hands,  my  life,  my  ftrength, 
my  all,  be  conftantly  devoted  to  GOD. 

Monday  24-  Sweet  peace  pervaded  my  foul;  and 
my  whole  heart  defired,  prayed, longed  and  panted 
to  live  a  more  fpiritual  life  by  faith  in  the  bleiTed 
Son  of  GOD.  In  the  evening  I  preached  from 
Ifaiah  Ixii.  6.  I  have  fet  watchmen,  Sec.  and  took 
occafion,  firft,  to  fliew  that  the  Lord  calls,  au- 
thorifes,  and  qualifies  all  faithful  minifters.  Se- 
condly, delineated  their  character  as  watchmen. 
Thirdly,  obferved  that  they  were  to  keep  wa  ch 
on  the  ivalls.  Fourthly,  the  duties  enjoined,  they 
Jkall  not  hold  their  peace.  Keep  not  filence.  While 
opening  this  paflage,  the  Lord  greatly  comforted 
my  foul — The  next  morning  I  expatiated  on  Can- 
tides  i.  7.  and  confidered  firft,  the  addrefs,  ''I ell 
nte,  O  thou  whom  my /out  love/h.  Secondly,  the  rc- 
queft,  where  thoufeedejt,  &c.  This  denotes  the  fin- 
cere 


f  -*M 

cere  defire  of  a  true  believer,  in  the  time  of  divi- 
sion or  perfecution,  or  general  declenfion  of  true 
piety.  Thirdly,  the  humble  query,  why fljould  I 
be  as  one  that  turneth  afule  by  the  flocks  of  thy  com- 
panions ?  This  indicates  a  fear  of  being  t  xpofed  to 
falfe  teachers,  who  name  the  name  of  Chriit,  but 
deny  him  in  experience,  doctrine  and  practice. 
How  fearful  is  a  pious  foul  of  turning  afide  as  a 
forlorn,  neglected  creature,  expofed  to  the  malice 
and  defigns  of  devils  and  ungodly  men — Glory 
to  GOD  !  notwithstanding  all  the  afTaults  of 
Satan,  my  foul  is  preferved  in  peace,  and  my 
heart  is  fixed,  trufting  in  the  Lord.  My  chief  de- 
fire  is  to  be  found  obedient  and  faithful  at  all 
times,  and  all  occafions. 

Thurfday  27*  My  text  was  Ifaiah  xxiii.  16.  He 
JJjall  dwell  on  high.  His  place  of  defence  Jhdll  be  the 
munition  of  rocks,  &c.  Firft,  I  enquired  to  whom 
this  promife  is  made.  Secondly,  How  he  Jhdlt 
dwell  on  high.  High  in  faith,  love,  and  church- 
privileges — above  the  power  of  Satan,  the  world 
and  all  dangers  ;  fo  that  none  of  them  (hall  injure 
his  foul—  -T bird ly,  his  defence  JJjall  be  the  munition 
of  rocks — Chrifl  mail  be  the  rock  of  his  defence— 
and  the  love,  truth,  faithfulnefs,  mercy  and  power 
of  GOD  fhall  inclofe  him  on  every  fide — Fourth- 
ly, his  bread  fhall  be  given  ^/7»— all  things  need- 
ful for  life  and  godlinefs. 

Friday  28.  It  was  a  gracious  feafon  at  inter- 
ceflion  to-day.  My  foul  was  favoured  with  love 
and  power. 

Monday  31.  I  went  to  Germantown,  and, 
preached  with  freedom  and  comfort,  to  a  iarge 
congregation  affembled  in  the  Dutch  Prefbyterian 
church.  I  take  GOD  for  my  fufficient  portion  y 
and  Chrifl  is  all  in  all  to  me, 

Tuefday, 


(     8i     ) 

Tuefday,  June  i.  This  day  my  foul  was  under 
gracious  exercifes  ;  and  went  out  in  ardent  de- 
fires  after  GOD.  He  has  engrofTed  all  my  affec- 
tions ;  and    my  heart  is  taken  up  with  him. 

Thurfday  3.  To  my  great  comfort,  arrived  Mr. 
R.  Mr.  S.  Mr.  T.  and  Capt.  W.  Mr.  R.  preached 
a  good  fermon  on  thefe  words,  I  havefet  before  thee 
an  open  door,  and  no  man  can  jhut  it.  He  will  not 
be  admired  as  a  preacher.  But  as  a  difciplinanan, 
he  will  fill  his  place. 

Lord's-day  6.  After  preaching  both  yefterday 
and  this  morning  at  Burlington,  I  went  to  church 
in  order  to  receive  the  facrament.  But  the  parfon 
gave  us  a  ftrange  difcourfe,  full  of  inconfiftency 
and  raillery.  Leaving  him  to  anfwer  for  his  own 
conduct,  I  took  no  farther  notice  of  it,  but  preach- 
ed at  night  from  thefe  words,  The  natural  man 
receiveth  not  the  things  of  the  fpirit  of  GOD,  &C 
and  mewed  firft,  what  the  things  of  the  fpirit  of 
GOD  are — Secondly,  defcribed  the  natural  man 
— and  thirdly,  (hewed  how  they  appear  to  be 
foolifhnefs  to  him.  And  that  he  cannot  know 
them,  by  the  flrength  of  his  natural  or  acquired 
abilities.  The  little  fociety  in  Burlington  appear 
to  be  in  a  comfortable  and  profperous  ftate — On 
my  way  to  Trenton,  I  met  A.  W.  on  the  road.  We 
flopped  at  a  houfe,  and  in  the  courfe  of  conver- 
fatiou  I  found  he  was  much  dejecffced  in  his  mind  ; 
but  before  we  parted  he  appeared  to  be  fomewhat 
comforted.  Many  people  attended  the  preaching 
at  Trenton,  though  the  notice  was  but  fhort. 

Thurfday  10.  My  foul  has  been  much  aflaulted 
lately  by  fatan  \  but,  by  the  grace  of  GOD  it  is 
filled  with  divine  peace.  My  heart  thirtieth  for 
GOD,  even  for  the  living  GOD.  I  wrote  to  Mr, 
Wefley  to-d3y,   and   in  the  evening  addrefitd  my 

difcourfe 


(     32     ) 

difcourfe  chiefly  to  the  young  people.  May  tliG 
Lord  apply  it  to  their  hearts. 

Friday  11.  Mr.  R.  came  to  Trenton.  After 
dinner  and  prayer,  we  fet  off  together  for  Princeton., 
On  Saturday  we  reached  Neiv-Tork  ;  and  our 
friends  there  having  previous  notice  of  our  com- 
ing, kindly  met  us  on  the  dock  where  we  landed. 
The  fight  of  Mr.  W.  with  fome  other  concurring 
circumflances,  affected  Mr.  R.  fo  that  he  appeared 
to  be  rather  call  down  in  his  mind. 

Lord's-day  13.  I  preached  this  morning  to  a 
confiderable  number  of  people.  Mr.  R.  found  his- 
fpirits  raifed,  and  was  much  comforted.  In  the 
afternoon  Mr.  R.  Capt.  W.  Mr.  W—  t  and  my- 
felf  went  to  St.  Paul's  church,  and  received  the 
facrament.  At  night, Mr.  R.  difpenfed  the  word 
of  truth  with  power.  It  reached  the  hearts  of 
many,  and  they  appeared  to  be  much  quickened. 

Monday  14.  Many  were  prefent  while  I 
preached  from  2.  John  4.  X have  no  greater  joy 
than  to  hear  that  my  children  walk  in  truth.  The. 
Lord  favours  me  with  great  difcoveries  of  my  de- 
fects and  unfaithfulnefs.  But,  blefTed  be  GOI>, 
my  foul  is  humbled  under  thefe  difcoveries.  My 
foul  panteth  for  more  of  the  Divine  nature. 
When  fhall  I  be  fully  conformed  to  his  blefTed 
will  ?  I  received  a  letter  this  day  from  that  ve- 
nerable father  in  Chrift,  Mr.  Wejley. 

Wednefday  16.  Captain  W,  fet  out  for  Albany^ 
and  I  for  New  Rochelle.  On  Thurfday,  Mr.  L. 
preached  at  Mr.  D.'s  on  thefe  words  To  them  that 
have  obtained  like  precious  faith  with  us.  He 
fpake  plainly  and  much  to  the  purpofe  ;  though 
he  did  not  (hew  the  neceflity  of  afiurance.  We 
had  fome  free  and  friendly  converfation  after- 
wards •,  in  which  I  gave  him  to  underftand  how 
we   hold  this  point :  that   ailurance  is  fufpended 

on 


(     83     ) 

on  an  evangelical  act  of  faith,  b] 
ply  the  merits  of  Jefus  Chrift  for    h  .,-.1  of 

our  guilt  ;  and  that  we  then  receive  t    .  teftimo- 
ny  of  the  Spirit,  Rom.  viii.  16. 

Lord's  day  20.  Satin,  that  malicious  enemy  of 
mankind,  is  frequently  ftriving  to  break  my  peace. 
And  the  Lord  gracioufly  mows  me  all  my  invo- 
luntary defects ;  fo  that  my  foul  is  bowed  down 
as  in  the  dud  :  but  Chrift  is  precious,  and  the 
Spirit  of  all  grace  comforts  my  heart — This  day 
I  preached  three  times  at  Mr.  Z).\s  The  word 
reached  the  hearts  of  many,  with  Divine  power. 
Our  labours  here  have  not  been  in  vain.  Many 
have  a  relifli  for  religious  exercifes,  and  experi- 
ence ihe  fpirirual  benefit  of  frequently  meeting 
together  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  My  intenti- 
on is  to  form  a  fociety  here. 

Monday  21.  While  preaching  at  Mr.  B.'s  the 
Lord  favoured  me  with  fweet  liberty  *,  and  there 
was  no  fmall  moving  amongfc  the  people.  Seve- 
ral feemed  willing  to  meet  in  fociety  here  alfo. 

Tuefday  22.  I  received  an  account  of  the  cafe 
of  S.  D.  She  is  about  16  years  of  age,  and  has 
been  lately  brought  under  ferious  and  deep  con- 
cern for  the  fjlvation  of  her  foul.  A  few  days 
aftetj  ihe  was  taken  ill,  and  was  frequently  trou- 
bled with  fits  •,  which,  while  they  were  on  her, 
deprived  her  of  her  reafon.  About  three  days 
after  fhe  was  taken  ill,  fhe  was  juftified  by  faith, 
and  had  peace  with  GOD.  She  continued 
weakly  in  body  about  five  weeks ;  but  failed, 
prayed,  and  fang,  to  the  aftonifhment  of  all  about 
her.  After  her  recovery,  me  manifefted  a  found 
converfion — fhe  had  a  fettled  peace,  was  confcl- 
encioully  ferious,  meek  and  patient  in  all  her  con- 
duel  ;  and  the  word  of  GOD  was  precious  food 
to  her  foul. 

Wednefday 


(     «4     ) 

Wednefday  23.  After  preaching  with  fome 
power  on  thefe  words,  BleJJed  are  they  that  hear 
the  word  of  GOD,  and  keep  it,  I  joined  a  few  in 
fociety,  and  then  fet  off  for  New  York.  I  called 
on  Mr.  B.  in  my  way,  who  renewed  his  former 
kindnefs,  and  treated  me  with  great  cordiality. 
On  my  return  to  New  Tork,  I  found  Mr.  R.  had 
been  well  employed  in  fettling  matters  pertaining 
to  the  fociety.  This  afforded  me  great  fatisfacli- 
on,  and  more  efpecially  the  revival  of  religion 
which  has  lately  taken  place  in  this  city. 

Saturday  26.  Having  preached  a  few  times  in 
New  Tork,  fince  my  return,  I  fet  off  for  Staten- 
Ifland ;  but  the  heat  was  fo  extremely  powerful, 
that  I  {topped  at  my  old  friend's  J,  W.  and  on 
the  Lord's  day,  heard  Mr.  P.  a  Prejbyterian  mi- 
niiler,  preach  twice.  But  thought  he  was  too 
metaphyfical  and  fuperficial.  In  the  evening  I 
preached  in  Mr.  W.'s  yard,  from  Heb.  v.  12,  Ye 
have  need  that  one  teach  you  again  which  be  the  jirjl 
principles  of  the  oracles  of  GOD — My  mind  is  filled 
with  the  peace  of  GOD,  and  is  drawn  out  in 
love  to  Him  and  all  mankind.  BlefTed  be  the 
the  Lord  ! 

Mondav  28.  While  preaching  to-day  on  Ifaiah 
Ixii.  6.  Mr.  P.  the  minifter,  made  one  of  the  con- 
gregation. After  fervice  we  had  fome  conver- 
sation on  religious  fubjetts.  He  had  imbibed  that 
abfurd  fcheme  of  Mr.  B.'s,  viz.  that  we  are  born 
again  before  we  repent  and  believe.  How  ftrange, 
that  any  man  mould  fuppofe  the  effect  is  produced 
before  the  inftrumental  caufes  ex  ill !  But,  by  the 
grace  of  GOD,  none  of  thefe  things  (hall  move 
me  from  the  gofpel-plan  of  falvation — Glory  to 
GOD  !  He  bleffes  me  with  the  graces  and  com- 
forts of  his  holy  Spirit  in  my  own  foul — The  next 
day  Mr.  P.  attended  preaching  again.    I  had  lent 

him 


(    «5    ) 

Km  Mr.  Fletchers  fcccnd  check.  He  approved 
of  the  latter  part,  though  not  ctf  the  firit.  May 
the  truth  of  GOD  fpread  here,  and  in  every- 
place. Had  fome  fcriou*  converfatio:i  with  Mr. 
D.  and  his  wife.  They  both  feem  to  have 
defires  to  be  inftrucled  in  the  ways  of  GOD.  But 
the  people  in  thefe  parts  appear  in  general,  to  be 
ignorant  of  their  own  hearts;  and  are  in  danger 
cfrefting  in  the  fuperficial  knowledge  of  Tel:: 
without  the  power. 

Wednefday  30.  Preached  at  the  houfe  of  A. 
W.  to  more  people  than  were  expected,  and  my 
foul  had  near  and  fweet  accefs  to  GOD,  being 
filled  with  that  peace  which  pa-fleth  ail  undericand- 
ing. 

Thurfday,  July  r.  Set  off  for  mtv-Tork,  and 
having  a  tedious  paffage  over  the  North-river,  I 
fpent  fome  time  in  ferious  converfation  with  two 
men  in  the  boat,  and  hope  it  was  not  in  vain. 
Then  I  came  fafe  to  York,  and  preached  from 
Hab.ikkuh  iii.  2.  O  Lordy  revive  thy  work  in  the  midp 
cf  the  years.  On  Friday  arrived  the  fottoi 
news  of  the  deftruclion  of  Mr.  WhittfieWs  Or* 
phan-houfe.  As  there  was  no  fire  in  the  houfe,  ic 
was  fuppefed  to  have  been  fet  on  fire  by  lightnings 
which  had  been  in  the  morning,  as  fome  fiy,  ac- 
companied with  2  fulphureous  fme'l.  It  broke 
out  in  a  rapid  flame  about  7  or  8  o'clock  at  night, 
and  confumed  the  whole  building  except  the 
wings. 

LordVday  4.  Many  people  attended  preaching 
both  morning  and  night.  In  our love-feaft  to-day , 
many  were  touched  to  the  heart,  and  fome  were 
greatly  comforted.  Lord,  let  it  not  be  as  the 
morning  -dew  !  On  Monday,  my  foul  was  in  a  dcN- 
lightful  frame — my  peace  flowed  as  a  river.— I 
had  power  to  refill  every  temptation  of  Satan  be- 
H  fore 


(     86     ) 

fore  it  could  diilurb  my  mind — and  my    heart 
was  i'weetly  drawn  out  in  love  to  all  men. 

Tuefday  6.  Having  reafon  to  fear  that  I  had 
been  rather  too  much  elevated,  my  heart  was 
humbled  before  the  Lord  ;  and  was  now  fixed  on 
him  as  its  all  fufficient  good.  When  (hall  I  appear 
before  Him  ? 

Wednefday  7.  My  foul  is  happy  under  a  com- 
fortable fenfe  of  GOD.  May  his  grace  always 
enable  me  to  devote  myfelf  without  referve  to  him. 
— The  power  of  GOD  wasprefent  while  I  preach- 
ed to-day,  behind  the  barracks,  to  a  number  of 
ibldiers  and  others.  Afterwards  I  met  a  clafs, 
and  preached  again  in  the  evening.  But  my  fpi- 
rit  has  been  grieved  by  the  falfe  and  deceitful 
doings  of  fome  particular  perfons.  Blefled  be 
GOD  !  All  are  not  fo  ;  fome  are  faithful.  But 
what  is  the  chaff  to  the  wheat  ?  One  under- 
took to  reprove  me,  becaufe  I  went  in  at  a  quarter 
after  eight,  and  came  out  at  20  minutes  after 
nine.  What  reafon  have  I  to  be  thankful,  that 
this  is  the  worft  man  can  reprove  me  for.  O  that 
I  had  more  zeal  to  preach  the  word  in  feafon  and 
out  of  feafon  ! 

Friday  9.  After  interceflion  I  went  to  fee  Mr. 
L. — Mr.  S.  Mr.  W.  and  myfelf  were  charged 
with  winking  at  the  follies  of  fome.  We  had  a 
little  debate  on  the  fubjecl:  ;  and  Mr.  L.  was 
pleafed  to  fay,  "  he  did  not  know  but  the  church- 
doof  would  be  fliut  againfl  me  j"  and  that  "  fome 
perfons  would  not  fufFer  matters  to  go  on  fo."  He 
moreover  told  me,  "the  preachers'. gifts  were  taken 
away." — How  dangerous  it  is  to  be  addicted  to 
pride  and  paffion,  going  from  houfe  to  houfe, 
fpeaking  perverfe  things ! 

Saturday  io.  After  preaching  this  evening  I  en- 
joyed a  comfortable  time  in  meeting   the  leaders 

and 


(     87     ) 

and  band-fociety. — My  Heart  w  ith  a 

lively  fenfe  of  GOD's  gracious  prefcnce. 

On  the  Lord's-day  I  preached  twice  with  great 
plainnefs  to  a  large  number  of  people  ;  and 
fet  off,   in  company  with  Mr.  ji  towards   P 
delpbia.     Came  fafe  to  the  city  on  Thurfday,  bur 
did  not   find  fuch   perfect  harmony   as    I   could 
wifh  for. 

"VYednefday  14.  Our  general  conference  beg 
in  which  the  following  proportions  we. . 
to. 

1.  The  old   Methodift   doctrine   and  difcij 
fhall  be  enforced  and  maintained,  among!!  ail  our 
focieties  in  America. 

2.  Any   preacher  who  acts  otherwife,  cannot 
be  retained  amongft  us  as  a  fellow-labou. 
vineyard. 

3.  No  preacher  in  our  connexion  (hall  be  per- 
mitted to  adminifter  the  ordinances  at  this  lime  -, 
except  Mr.  S.  and  be  under  the  particular  direc- 
tion of  the  affiltant. 

4.  No  perfon  (hall  be  admitted,  more  than  or.cz 
or    twice,  to  our  love-feafts    or   fociety-mec 

— without  becoming  a  member. 

5.  No   preacher   ihall  be  permitted  to  re-; 
our  books,  without  the  approbation  of  Mr.    ■ 
ley,  and  the  content  of  his  brethren.   And  that  R. 
W.  fhall  be  allowed  to  fell  what  he  has,  but  re- 
print no  more. 

6.  Every  amitant  is  to  fend  an  account  ol 
work  of  GOD  in  his  circuit,  to  the  general  a 
ant. 

There  were  fome  debates  amongft  the  preachers 
in  this  conference,  relative  to  the  ccnducl:  of  ; 
who  had  manifeiled  a  defire  to  abide  in  thee: 
and  live  like  gentlemen.     Threeyears  out  of  four 
have  been  already  fpent  in  the  cities. — It  was 

.red 


(     8S     ) 

feared   that    mcney    had   been  wafted,  rropropeT 
leaders  appointed,  and  many  of  our  rules  broken. 

Friday  1 6.  I  fet  off  for  Ckejler,  and  had  a  com- 
fortable time  in  preaching.  Mrs.  W.  and  two 
young  women  in  her  houfe,  appeared  to  be  under 
fume  religious  concern.  May  the  Lord  make 
bare  his  holy  arm,  and  revive  his  glorious  work  \i 
I  understand  that  feme  diilatisfied  perfons  in  Neiu- 
Torky  threaten  to  fhut  the  church-door  againft 
Mr.  R.  If  they  mould  be  bold  enough  to  take 
tins  ftep,  we  (hail  fee  what  the  confequence  will 
he  ;  and  no  doubt  but  the  Lord  will  bring  all 
their  evil  deeds  to  light.  O  that  it  may  be  for 
the  falvation  of  their  precious  fculs  ! 

Lord's-day  1 8.  My  foul  has  enjoyed  great 
peace  this  week,  in  which  I  have  rode  near  ioo 
miles  fince  ray  departure  from  Philadelphia)  and; 
have  preached  often,  and  fometimes  great  fo- 
iemnity  has  relied  on  the  congregations. 

On  Monday,  brother  T.  rode  in  company  with 
me  to  Mr.  S's,  where  I  preached  with  fweet  free-* 
dom  to  a  few  attentive  people. — We  took  friendly 
counfd  together,  and  our  time  was  profitably  and 
comfortably  fpent.— On  Tuefday  morning  my 
heart  was  Hill  with  the  Lord,  and  my  peace  flowed 
as  a  river.  Glory  be  given  to  GOD  !— On  Wed- 
nefday,.  at  Newkcajlle%  the  company  was  but  fmall,. 
though  great  power  attended  the  word.  Perhaps- 
the  Lord  will  yet  vi fit  this  people,  though  at  pre- 
fent  too  many  of  them  appear  to  be  devoted  to 
pride,  vanity  and  folly. — But,  through  abundant 
mercy,  my  heart  is  devoted  to  GOD  and  to  his 
work.     O  that  it  may  never  depart  from  him  ! 

1  received  a  letter  from  my  dear  brother  W->~t% 
Written  in  Ireland,  with  his  ufuai  plamnefs  and 
honeity  of  heart. 

Thuiuday 


v"    *9     ) 

Thurfday  I  came  to  R.  2Vs,  when  the  Lord 
enabled  me  to  prefs  home  the  word  on  the  con~- 
fciences  of  the  people,  many  of  whom  had  never 
heard  us  before.— Set  off  the  next  day  for  Suj  .  - 
hatmaby  and  met  with  I.  R.  who  gave  me  an  ac- 
count of  a  confiderable  profpec"!  of  the  work  of 
GOD  in  Kent.  In  the  evening  we  came  very 
and  weary  to  I.  D.'s.  We  were  kindly  entertain- 
ed, and  foon  forgot  our  fatigue  and  pains. 

Lord's-day  25.  I  firft  preached  in  this  neigh- 
bourhood, and  then  rode  hard  to  reach  Deer-creek 
in  time.  Was  very  unwell  with  a  violent  head- 
ach,  but  after  preaching  to  many  people  and  meet- 
ing a  large  clafs,  I  felt  myfelf  much  recovered. 
Thus  the  Lord  gracioufly  helpeth  me  !  My  foul 
is  fdled  with  peace,  and  drawn  out  in  love  to 
GOD  and  man. 

Monday  26.  My  heart  is  fixed,  trufling  in  the 
Lord  ;  and  fully  bent,  through  grace,  to  obey  his 
holy  will.  How  fweet  is  the  peace,  and  how  great 
is  the  power  with  which  the  Lord  bleffeth  mc  ! 
Part  of  the  forenoon  was  fpent  in  fettling  the 
clafs.  Then  brother  W.  rode  with  me  to  5.  L.'s, 
where  I  met  two  more  claffes,  and  found  them  in 
a  profperous  way.  Then  rode  back  to  H.  JV.'s 
in  great  peace  ;  and  the  next  day  I  found  the  clafs 
increafedin  number^at  S.  F.'s.  Preached  alio  in  the 
evening  ;  and  found  it  a  comfortable  time.  The 
young  women  in  the  houfe  feem  determined  to 
feek  the  falvation  of  their  fouls. 

Wednefday  28.  R.  IV.  fet  off  with  me  for  his 
houfe.  But  before  we  rode  far,  a  violent  clap  of 
thunder,  which  appeared  to  be  jufl  over  my  head, 
fliook  every  limb  of  my  body,  and  frightened  my 
horfe  fo  much  that  I  found  it  difficult  to  keep  my 
faddle.  But  my  body  and  mind  foon  recovered 
H  2,  the- 


f  &  } 

the  (nock,  and  my  foul  was  comforted. Thus 

we  fee, 
"  Dangers  (land  thick  through  all  the  ground,. 
«  To  pufli  us  to  the  tomb." 

But  the  Lord  is  the  preferver  of  all  that  put 
their  trull  in  him.  Glory  be  given  to  GOD  for- 
ever  i 

Thurfday  29.  Met  the  daft  at  J.  P.'s,  in  Gun-^ 
poM  der  Neck,  and  found  the  enemy  had  attempted 
to  get   in   amongit  them  ;  but  through    their  vi- 
gilance and  the  grace  of  GOD,  he  was  repelled, 
and  could  gasQ  no  admittance. 

On  Thurfday  I  intended  to  go  to  Baltimore,  but 
was  prevented  by  a  hmenefs  in  one  of  my  feet;. 
fo  my  time  was  fpent  at  J.  P.'s.  The  Lord  hath 
done  great  things  fcr  the  people  in  this  neigh- 
bourhood ;  many  of  them  are  very  happy  in  reli- 
gion, and  feme  thirfting  for  full  falvation.  On 
Saturday  J.  K.  met  me.  I  attempted  to  fpeak  a 
little  in  public,  but  was  afterwards  very  unwell, 
and  had  a  troub-efome  pain  in  my  head.  How- 
ever I  was  enabled  to  preach  the  next  day  with 
feme  energy. 

Monday  Auguft  2.  We  began  our  quarterly 
ing.  After  our  temporal  buunefs  was  done, 
I  read  a  part  of  our  minutes,  to  fee  if  brother  5. 
would  conform  >  but  he  appeared  to  be  inflexible. 
He  would  not  adminiiler  the  ordinances  under 
qqx  direction  at  all.  Many  things  were  faid  on 
the  fubjecl  ;  and  a  few  of  the  people  took  part 
with  him.  At  the  ccncJufion  of  our  quarterly 
meeting,  on  Tuefday,  we  had  a  comfortable  fea- 
fon,  and  many  were  refrefhed,  efpecially  in  the 
'ove-feaih — On  Wednefday  I  fet  off  for  Balti- 
'xhore,  but  was  taken  very  fick  on  the  road  *,  how- 
ever, J  purfued  my  way,  though  it  was  fometimes 
thrcujrh    hard    rain   and    heavy    thunder  ;    and 

preached 


(  pi  ) 

preached  in  Baltimore  on  Thurfday,  in  Mrs.  7?s 
new  houfe,  which  (he  freely  lent  for  thatpurpofe, 
There  appeared  to  be  a  confiderablc  moving  un- 
der the  word.  After  preaching  the  next  morn- 
ing at  the  Pointy  I  went  to  fee  a  woman,  once 
happy  in  feveral  refpects,  but  now  under  diitreff- 
ing  circumflances.  Her  hufband  was  driven  from 
her ;  and  fhe  was  left  with  four  children  for  three 
months. 

Many  people  in  general  attend  the  preaching 
in  Baltimore^  efpecially  after  we  have  been  long 
enough  in  town  for  the  inhabitants  to  receive  full 
knowledge  of  our  being  there.  And  I  have  a 
great  hope  that  the  Lord  will  do  fbme thing  for 
the  fouls  in  this  place,  though  the  little  ibeieiy 
has  been- rather  neglected,  for  want  of  a  proper 
perfon  to  lead  them — I  rode  to  Patapfuo  Neckj 
and  after  preaching,  reduced  the  clafs  to  fomc 
order.  N.  P.  told  me,  he  had  been  grieved  by 
fome  who  had  man  if e  (led  too  great  a  forward- 
nefs  to  fpeak  in  public.  I  then  returned  to  BaU- 
ti??iorey  and  went  thence  to  Back  river- Nee  I- , 
where  I  found  contention  in  the  clafs  ;  but, 
through  grace,  was  enabled  to  bring  them  to 
peace  and  order — -Then  I  went  to  C.  H.'s  and 
fettled  two  clafles  in  that  neighbourhood.  While 
preaching  there,  the  Lord  favoured  us  with  a 
lively  and  profitable  feafon — My  mind  has  lately 
been  much  tortui*ed  with  temptations  ;  but  the 
Lord  has  ftood  by  and  delivered  me.  Oh  my 
GOD  !  when  will  my  trials  end  ?  At  death- 
Lord,  be  ever  with  me  and  fave  me,  or  my  foul 
mult  perifti  at  lad.  But  my  truft  is  (till  in  GOD, 
that  he  will  ever  help  me  to  conquer  a!!  my  foes, 

Preached  and  met  the  fociety,  on  Wednefday, 
at  /.  P — *s  ;  and  on  Thurfday  fet  oiT  for  Kent 
county,  but  was  troubled  with  a  very  uncommon* 

pain 


(?   9*-    V 

pain  in  my  head.  In  public  worfnip  at  Mr.  G.Y 
a  ferious  negro  was  powerfully  (truck  ;  and  though 
he  made  but  little  noife,  yet  he  trembled  fo  ex- 
ceedingly that  the  very  houfe  {hook — I  then  rode 
to  Mr.  H. — 's  and  was  kindly  entertained.  Here 
we  faw  a  little  woman  with  neither  hands  nor 
feet ;  yet  (he  could  walk,  card,  fpin,  few  and 
knit.  And  her  heart  rejoiced  in  GOD  her  Savi- 
our— But  ivhat  is  Jlje  at  this  time  ? 

Friday  13.  The  fpirit  of  holy  peace  reigns  in 
my  heart.  Glory  be  given  to  GOD  !  I  received  in- 
formation to  day,  of  W.  F.  who  had  threatened 
to  {lone  one  of  our  preachers,  but  was  taken 
iick  and  died  in  a  few  days — Alfo  of  another 
perfon  who  had  been  under  conviction  for  fin, 
but  refilling  and  making  it  off,  he  left  the  houfe, 
and  died  in  the  dark,  {peaking  evil  of  the  ways 
of  GOD — Like  wife  of  Mrs.  H.  who  was  under 
conviction  from  the  Spirit  of  GOD,  but  going 
from  the  houfe  and  indulging  a  trifling  fpirit,  fhe 
foon  after  died — Thus  it  feems,  when  men  {light 
the  mercies  of  GOD,  he  vifits  them  with  his 
judgments!  The  congregation  to  day  at  Mr. 
G — 's  was  very  large,  but  they  looked  like  fat 
bulls  of  Bajhariy  though  they  fat  pretty  {till  while 
I  ■  endeavoured  to  prove  that  the  fpirit,  doctrine, 
fufferings,  and  practice  of  the  holy  apoflles  are 
exemplified  in  the  people  of  GOD  at  this  time 
- — The  Lord  favoured  me  with  freedom  and  pow- 
er, as  alfo  in  the  evening  at.  Mr.  H — 's. 

On  Saturday  a  multitude  of  people  attended 
the  preaching  of  the  word,  and  the  Lord  was 
with  us  of  a  truth. 

Lord's  day  15.  For  fome  time  pad,  the  Lord 
lias  blefled  me  with  abundant  peace  and  love  ; 
but  my  foul  longs  for  all  the  fulnefs  of  GOD,  as 
fur  as  it  is  attainable  by  man.     O,  when  (hall  it 

once 


(     93     ) 

once  be  !  When  fliall  my  foul  be  abforbed  in  pu- 
rity and  love  ! — The  congregation  affembled  un- 
der a  tree  at  Mr.  G — 's,  and  in  the  time  of  the 
firft  prayer,  a  woman  fell  down  and  laid  there 
all  the  time  of  the  fermon — The  people  here  ap- 
pear to  be  much  afiecled  with  prejudice  again  ft 
/.  R.  They  will  not  bear  with  his  rough  addrefs. 
But  I  know  not  what  to  do  with  them.  If  fome  o- 
ther  preacher  could  vifit  them  in  his  ftead,  perhaps 
the  work  of  GOD  would  profper  much  better.  But 
mod  of  the  fociety  appear  to  be  under  a  genuine 
work  of  grace  •>  though  a  few  of  their  cafes  are 
doubtful.  The  clerk  of  the  church  defired  to  be 
prefent  in  the  clafs-meeting  j  and  was  confidera— 
bly  afFecled. 

Tuefday  1 7.  After  preaching  to  a  number  of 
people  at  Mr.  H — 's>  I  was  much  delighted  with 
the  fimple  account  of  the  work  of  GOD,  re- 
lated and  experienced  by  T.  L.  who  I  believe  is 
faved  from  indwelling  fin.  He  was  born  at 
Thorti/bury,  near  Brijtol  in  Etigland ;  and  came 
over  to  America  about  19.  or  2.0  years  ago.  He 
was  firft  brought  to  know  GOD  in  Gun-Powder- 
Neck  ;  and  was  foon  after  in  great  diftrefs  for  pu- 
rity of  heart.  He  faid,  he  prayed  and  wept  till 
his  tears  laid  in  fmall  lakes  on  the  floor  :  but  was 
at  lad  fuddenly  filled  with  fpiritual  glory.  He  was 
bleiTed  with  wonderful  communications  of  peace 
and  love.  He  appeared  to  be  a  holy,  ferious, 
happy  man  -y  and  artlefs  without  colouring ;  fo 
that  there  is  no  room  to  doubt  but  it  is  a  genuine 
work  of  GOD. 

\Vednefd2y  18.  Several  friends,  both  men  and 
women,  accompanied  me  to  the  bay  j  and  when 
we  came  to  the  wjter-fide,  we  kneeled  down  and 
prayed,  recommending  each  other  to  the  grace 
of  GOD. 

Thurfday 


(    94    ) 

Thurfday  19.  I  felt  myfelf  unwell,  but  my 
heart  longs  to  overflow  with  love  to  GOD.  My 
refolution  is,  through  grace,  to  make  a  total  and 
perpetual  furrender  of  myfelf  to  him,  and  his 
fervice — At  D.  R.Js  on  Friday,  many  people  at- 
tended to  hear  the  word  which  was  difpenfed 
with  fome  power ;  but  my  foul  longs  and  pants 
for  more  of  GOD.  My  heart  rejoices  in  GOD, 
but  I  am  troubled  with  too  much  freedom  of 
temper,  which  may  proceed  from  a  great  flow  of 
animal  fpirits,  but  it  has  the  appearance  of  levi- 
ty •,  I  long  to  be  fo  guarded  as  to  have  a  folemn, 
conftant  fenfe  of  the  omniprefent  .GOD  refting* 
on  my  mind — -Saturday  21.  F.  H<  invited  me 
home  with  him  ;  and  I  called  to  fee  R.  D.  but 
found  him  too  wife  for  me  to  do  him  much  good. 
Rode  to  H.  W.'s  and  preached  with  life  and 
power  from  the  firft  Pfalm  \  and  afterwards  met 
the  clafs — Preached  on  the  Lord's  day  at  H*  W,\% 
in  the  morning  at  five,  at  S.  L.'s  at  ten,  and  at 
S.  F — 's  in  the  evening.  My  foul  has  been  kept 
in  tranquillity  and  peace. 

Tuefday  24.  My  heart  fwells  with  ftrong  defire 
to  live  to  GOD  ;  and  to  trull  conftantly  in  him 
that  he  may  direcVmy  paths.  7.  /.  an  honeft  old 
friend,  came  to  hear  me.  Oh  !  that  names  and 
parties  were  done  away  !  that  chriilians  were  ail- 
but  one  body  !  that  pure  love  might  reign  alone 
in  every  heart  !  Lord,  haflen  the  happy  and  de- 
sirable period. 

Wednefday  25.  My  body  was  very  weak,  but 
my  foul  was  ftrengthened  and  bleft  with  a  de- 
lightful fenfe  of  GOD,  while  preaching  to  a 
large  congregation  at  Mr.  j9.'s  :  And  I  afterwards 
met  the  clafs — GOD  is  the  portion  of  my  foul  j 
and  to  do  his  will  is  my. conftant  defire  and  de- 
termination— 1  fpoke  with  two  exhorters  at  Mr* 

C.'s  and 


(    9S     ) 

Cs  and  gave  them  licenfe  to  act  in  that  charac- 
ter— Friday  27.  at  Mr.  Cs  we  had  a  comfort- 
able time  *,  and  the  work  of  GOD  feems  to  be 
reviving  there.  Satan  is  (till  haunting  my  mind, 
but  the  Lord  gives  me  power  to  refill  him,  and 
keeps  me  in  conftant  peace — On  Saturday,  all  my 
foul  was  love.  No  defire  for  any  thing  but  GOD 
had  place  in  my  heart.  Keep  me,  O  Lord  !  in 
this  delightful,  blefled  frame — This  day  I  met 
with  P.  E.  who  has  fet  out  to  preach  but  I  am 
doubtful  of  his  call.  D.  R.  who  lodged  with  me 
to  night,  is  under  great  exercifes  of  mind,  from 
a  conviction  that  it  is  his  duty  to  preach.  He 
ventured  to  open  his  mind  to  me  on  the  fubjecr^ 
after  he  was  in  bed  :  and  fo  exceedingly  was  he 
agitated,  that  the  bed  fhook  under  him,  while  he 
was  relating  the  exercifes  of  his  mind. 

Lord's-day.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  O.'s  in  the 
morning,  and  at  Mr.  E.'s  in  the  afternoon,  I  rode 
thence  to  town  under  heavy  exercifes  of  mind. 
Surely  there  will  be  good  done  here,  or  the  place 
mult  be  given  up. 

On  Monday  I  fpent  part  of  my  time  in  reading 
Poole's  account  of  the  downfal  of  Antichrifi. 
Lord,  haften  the  time  !  While  preaching  this  e- 
vening  in  town,  there  was  a  gracious  moving  a- 
monglt  the  people. 

On  Tuefday  I  rode  to  Mr.  D.'s,  where  a  few 
attended,  and  I  truft  not  in  vain  •,  then  returned 
to  town  groaning  in  fpirit.  I  was  in  company 
with  Br.  W.  and  Br.  S.  on  Wednefday,  but  was 
much  diftrefled  on  account  of  fo  few  preachers 
well  qualified  for  the  work,  and  fc  many  who  are 
forward  to  preach  without  due  qualifications. 
My  foolifh  mind  feit  rather  difpofed  to  murmur- 
ing, pride,  and  difcontent.  Lord,  pardon  me,  and 
grant  me  more  grace.  The  nest  day  my  confcience 

checked 


(    9*    ) 

checked  me  for  the  appearance  of  levity.  How 
ferioufly  (hould  we  confider  the  prefence  of  the 
Deity!  and  ever  remember  that  we  muft  render 
an  account  of  all  our  conduct ! 

Friday  3.  After  enjoying  a  comfortable  fea- 
fon,  with  a  few  friends  at  Mr.  H.'s,  about  12 
miles  from  Baltimore ,-  I  preached  at  4  o'clock  at 
Mr.  A.\  in  Middle-river  Neck,  where  there  is  a 
good  profpect,  and  lodged  with  M.  A.  whofe 
heart  the  Lord  hath  touched  j  and  on  Saturday  re- 
turded  to  town. 

Lord?s-day  5.  In  the  morning  I  preached  at 
"town,  and  then  at  the  Point,  where  the  people 
fecm  more  attentive  ;  and  afterwards  returned  to 
town,  and  preached  at  night  to  a  large  congrega- 
tion. It  is  matter  of  great  grief  to  me.,  to  fee  the 
inhabitants  of  this  town  fomuch  devoted  to  pride, 
fpiritual  idolatry,  and  almofl  every  fpeeies  of  fin. 
Lord,  vifit  them  yet  in  tender  mercy,  to  re- 
form and  fave  their  fouls. — On  Monday  I  went 
•  to  vifit  W.  £.in  Patapjtco  Neck.  How  isthefcene 
changed  there  !  He  is  no  more  afhamed  of  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus.  His  wife  has  lately  expe- 
rienced great  agonies  of  foul  *,  and  was,  in  a  won- 
derful manner,  delivered,  being  filled  with  the 
peace  and  love  of  GOD.  This  by  the  m  ^rcy  of 
COD,  has  produced  a  gracious  efTe£t  on  Us  heart. 
The  next  day  he  accompanied  me  to  G.  P.'s,  and 
thence  to  Gunpowder  Neck,  where  we  had  a  com- 
fortable time. — Jrlitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  ! 

"Wednefday  B.  I  crofied  Bujlj-river,  and  then 
rode  to  /.  D — 's  :  my  heart  was  filled  with  peace 
and  power  :  but  what  fore  conflicts  have  attend- 
ed me  !  I  am  weary  of  all  that  is  wrong  within 
me.  Lord  purify  my  heart,  make  me  wholly 
thine,  and  fill  me  with  all  the  fulnefs  of  thy  lovel 
The  next  day  I   vifited  F.  H.  who   treated  me 

kindly 


(    57     ) 

kindly.  We  entered  into  a  clofe  conve  fation 
on  religious  fubjects  ;  but  I  found  be  had  been 
reading  Mr.  M — 's  myftery  of  errors  more  than 
the  gofpel.  He  has  fomc  good  qualities.  But 
hov/  weighty  is  his  charge  !  He  has  a  family  of 
not  Iefs  than  eighty  fouls  under  his  cr.re  !  They 
were  collected  in  the  evening  to  join  in  prayer, 
and  receive  a  word  of  exhortation.  I  rod 
Deer-creek  on  Friday,  and  had  a  refrcfr.ing  (^(on, 
as  alfo  at  H.  W — 's  in  the  evening  ar  4  u'c: 
The  Lord  is  dill  my  friend,  and  fills  me  with 
peace  and  pure  defire. 

Monday  13.  Found  it  neceffary  on  a  particu- 
lar occafion  to  go  to  Pipe-creek ,-  and  while 
preaching  to  a  large  number  of  people  at  R.  O.V,, 
the  power  of  the  Lord  was  prefent.  My  mind 
has  been  much  Hayed  on  GOD  for  fome  I 
paft,  and  my  body  has  felt  but  little  weari; 
though  on  fome  days  I  have  preached  four  times. 
Came  to  W.L?§-,  and  found  Mr.  L.  in  fp  rit- 
ual trouble,  but  I  hope  the  Lord  will  foon  deli- 
ver him,  and  give  him  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourn* 
ing.  Glory  to  GOD  !  my  mind  is  kept  in  fw 
peace,  and  deeply  engaged  in  every  duty. — 
Preached  on  Thurfdiy  at  Mr.  Z.'s  and  there  ap- 
peared to  be  fome  frnall  awakenings  amongft  the 
people.  Thence  rode  to  N.  P.V..  He  appears 
to  be  a  man  that  fears  GOD  in  fome  degree  ;  tut 
is  veryftifl';  and  in  fome  things  full  of  felf-wi!!. 
My  mind  was  as  it  were  in  chains,  while  preach- 
ing at  Mr.  H.'s  ;  but  my  foul  was  greatly  blelt 
while  difpenfing  the  word  to  a  large  congregation 
at  Mr.  A.'s,  in  Middle-rlver-fiech.  There  is  a 
profpecr.  of  fome  good  being  done,  by  the  grace 
of  GOD,  in  this  place — After  preaching  on  Sa- 
turday with  freedom  and  iVL  is  fa  61  ion,  to  a  num- 
ber of  people  in  Gun-powder-necki  I  was  takenve- 
I  ry 


ry  unwell  :  and  after  a  very  reftlefs  night,  with 
much  profufe  fweating,  I  rofe  in  the  morning 
exceedingly  indifpofed,  and  in  much  weaknefs  of 
body,  went  through  the  public  duties  of  the  day 
but  the  Lord  wasgracioufly  and  powerfully  with 
me,  both  in  preaching  and  fociety-mecting. 

Monday  20.     My  foul  was  refrefhed  with  the 
love  of  GOD.  How  do  I  long   for  a    mind    tho- 
roughly refined,  filled   with   perfect  purity,  and 
conftantly  devoted  to  GOD!    The  profpecl    and 
hope  of  this  frequently  tranfports  my  foul — Lord 
liaften  the  blefled  period  .'Let  all  my  foul  be  fwal- 
lowed  up  in  love  !  I  have  lately  been  reading  Mr 
TV.  on  the  ruin    and  recovery  of  man  ;  he  is  a 
judicious  writer  in  the    main,  and  generally    i\< 
luftrates  his  fubjects  well ;  but  fome  of  his  fen 
timents    relative  to  infants,  I  think  are  very  ex 
ceptionable. 

Tuefday  21.  I  crofTed  the  bay,  in  company 
with  a  few  friends,  to  Kent  county.  After  a  good 
pafTage  we  reached  the  fhore,  fat  down  to  reft 
and  refrefh  ourfelves  ;  and  then  joined  in  prayer. 
We  walked  to  /".  R.'s,  where  we  were  informed 
of  the  6ppofition  which  one  of  our  preachers  met 
with.  But  the  work  is  the  Lord's,  and  they  that 
oppcfe  his  work,  oppofe  his  omnipotence.  On 
Tuefday  my  foul  was  kept  in  peace  and  reft.  Af- 
ter preaching  with  fome  comfort,  I  was  feized 
with  a  quartan  ague,  which  was  attended  with 
jnuch  pain  in  myback  and  limbs.  Mr.  K.  afked 
me  home,  and  treated  me  with  much  civility  and 
kindnefs.  I  now  read  SmaHefs  defcription  of  the 
Methcdijls  :  and  cannot  wonder  that  his  readers, 
who  have  no  pe^fonal  knowledge  of  them  mould 
treat  the  Methodijls  with  contempt.  But  the  day 
is  coming,  when  every  one  will  appear  in  his 
true  colours  ;  and  be   conftrained  to  render  an 

account 


(     99     ) 

account  of  all   his  conduct  to  GOD.    A  high 
ver  and  heavy  fweats  were  my  companions  in 
night;  and  the  next    morning  I  was   too  unwell 
to  fpeak  in  prayer  ;     but  I    ventured  to  ride  in  a 
carriage   as   far   as  Mr.   H.'s,  in  the  afternoon. ^ 
T hurfday  23.   At  Mr.  H.'s  the  Lord  was  with 
me  while  preaching  from  Afts  xiv.  10.  obferving 
hi  7.  R.  the  odious  appearance  of  fpeaking  too 
freely  of  abfent  perfons,  I  felt  a  fenfe  of  my  own 
imprudence;  and  fa  w  both  the  propriety  and  ne- 
eeffity  of  retaining  every  fuch  matter  in  my  own 
breath,  till  an  opportunity  may  offer  of  convening 
with  the   pevfon  immediately  concerned,  face   to 
face.     Lord,  pardon   me  in    every  thing   that  is 
wrong  in   the  leaft  degree  ;  and   grant  me  more 
fortitude  and  evangelical  wifdom   for  the  time  to 
come. 

Friday  24.  My  trials  and  cxercifes  have  been 
fomewhat  peculiar.  May  the  GOD  of  mercy  com- 
municate more  abundant  power  and  love !  Though 
this  was  the  day  in  courfe  for  my  ague  to  return, 
I  preached  to  a  (mall,  fciious  congregation,  with 
Inward  power.  My  ague  came  on  afterw  a 
a  fevere  pain  in  my  back.  I  drove  off  the 
fit  by  walking  and  running,  but  went  robed  in  a 
high  fever.  ''The  next  morning  my  frame,  felt 
weak,  but  my  heart  was  iweetly  refigned. 

Saturday  25.   While  preaching  to  a  large  com- 
pany at  Mr.  G.'s,  we  had  amoving,  melting  time. 
After  preaching  at  9  o'clock  the  next  morning  at 
the  fame  place,  I  went  to  church,  and  th< 
minifter    intended   to  point  at   me,  by 
againft   idleneis,   and  people  who  fc::^.v  zw  un- 
warrantable employment,  and    doing  what  they 
have  nobufinefs  with.  But  can  any  employment  be 
more  unwarrantable,  than  the  charge  of  fouls  with- 
out any  real    concern    for  their  falvaticn  ?  An  I 

bud 


(    *c°   ) 

bad  as  idlenefs  is,  it  is  far  preferable  to  leading 
immortal  fouls  aftray.  The  world  can  judge,  whe- 
he  is  moft  like  an  idle  man  who  reads  a  dry 
harangue  every  Lord's  day,  or  he  who  toils  and 
labours  both  day  and  night  to  fave  the  fouls  of 
men.  But  thefe  tilings  I  leave  with  the  Lord. 
y  people  attended  my  preaching  in  the  even- 
ing, while  I  took  occafion  from  Cor.  v.  20.  to  (hew 
amongil  other  things,  the  evangelical  million  and 
jife  of  a  true  ambaffador  of  Chriit. 

Monday.  "We  crofTed  the  bay,  and  rode  to 
J,  P.'s.  My  ague  coming  on,  I  went  to  bed  in 
t  torture  ;  and  thought  my  frame  could  not 
Jong  endure  it.  My  body  is  greatly  weakened  by  this 
difofder  ,  and  perhaps  I  mall  be  dumb  for  a  fcafon, 
either  for  my  own  unfaithfulnefs,  or  the  unfaithful- 
nefs of  the  people.  May  the  Lord  fortify  my  fctfl 
with  patience  ! 

Thurfdsy  23.  Though  very  weak  and  low,  the 
Lord  favoured  me  with  a  good  opportunity,  life 
and  liberty,    at  D,  R.'s. 

Friday  ;jj.  I  was  exceedingly  ill  at  Mr.  D.'s; 

and  now  :•;   an    to  think  my  travelling  would  be 

rrupted.  This  is  mygreateft  trouble  and  pain, 

to  foriake  the  work  of  GOD.  and  to  neelecl:  the 

people  whofe  fpiritual  intercil  and  falvation  I  feek 

with  my  whole  foul.     The  next  day   finding  my- 

ielf  too  weak  to  travel,  1  fent   brother   E.  in   my 

place;  and  mult   content  myfelf  to  abide  here  a- 

while,  where  they  treat  me  with  the  greateft  care 

kindnefs.   My  prefent  purpofe  is,  if  the  Lord 

fpares  and  raifes  me  up,  to  be  more  watchful  and 

clfcumlpecT  in  all  my  ways.     O  Lord,  remember 

o  mercy  ;   and  brace  up  my  feeble  foul  ! 

Lord's-day  Oft  3.  Every  day  I  have  endeavoured 
to  ufe  what  little  ftrength  I  had  for  GOD  ;  and 
this  day  I  felt  fomething  better  in  my  body,   and 

quite 


(     ioi      ) 

quite  fercce  in  my  mind.     Rode  to  Bujh   and 
preached  to  many  people  with  con fiderable  power. 

But  had  a  violent  fever  at  night,  which  held  me  9 
hours.     It  is   my  defire  to  be  refigned  to  the  will 

of  GOD  in  all  tilings.     Sent  brother   IV.  in  my 
place  to  fuppiy  the  appointments. 

Wednefday  6.  My  diforder  returned,  and  my 
body  was  in  great  pain  for  many  hours.  Felt 
fome  patience,  but  not  enough.  Oh,  that  this  af- 
fliction may  anfwer  the  intended  end  !  My  will 
is  quite  refigned  to  the  will  of  GOD,  fo  that  I 
cannot  aik  eafe  in  pain;  but  defire  to  be  truly 
thankful,  and  leave  the  difpofal  of  all  things  en- 
tirely with  him. 

It  is  undoubtedly  a  gracious  providence,  that" 
my  lot  mould  be  cair.  in  the  family  of  J.  D.  dur- 
ing my  jndifpefition  to  travel.  I  fhall  never  for- 
get the  kindnefs,  or  difcharge  the  obligations  I  am 
under  to  Mrs.  5.  D.  who  watched  and  waited  up- 
on me  day  and  night.  GOD  grant,  that  the  fame 
meafure  which  (he  has  meted  to  me,  may  return 
upon  herfelfand  her  children  !  On  Thurfday  and 
Friday  my  mind  was  kept  in  peace,  though  I  could 
do  very  little  but  read,  The  language  of  my  heart 
is,  Lord,  thy  will  be  done  ! 

•My  diforder  has  encreafed,  and  for  feveral  days 
my  indifpofition  has  been  fo  great  that  I  kept  no 
ournal.  My  friends  wept  around  and  ex  peeled 
my  difTolution  was  near.  But  the  Lord  thought 
on  both  them  and  me,  to  raife  me  up  from  the  bor- 
ders of  death.  Oh  that  my  few  remaining  days 
may  be  fpent  to  his  glory  !  That  every  valuable 
end  may  be  anfwered  by  my  future  life  ! 

Wednefday  27.  Mr.  D.  was  fo  kind  as  to  con- 
duct me  in  a  carriage  to  my  friend  B.  P.'s  at 
Deer-creek.  On  Friday  1  found  myfelf  much  bet- 
ter, and  my  foul  was  kept  in  peace  and  purity. 
May  the  Lord  ever  keep  me  near  to  himfeif ! 

I  2  November 


(       *02      ) 

November  4.  Our  quarterly  meeting  came  off, 
and  I  attended  the  private  bufmefs,  though  in 
much  weaknefs  of  body.  Some  of  my  brethren 
did  not  altogether  pleafe  me.  My  hand  appears 
itill  to  be  againft  every  man.  Mr.  iv*.  conducted 
the  meeting.  At  the  clofe  of  the  whole,  I  difco- 
1  the  affectionate  attachment  which  fubfiRed 
between  many  of  my  dear  friends  and  me.  It  cut 
me  to  the  heart  when  we  came  to  part  from  each 
other.  They  wept,  and  I  wept.  Efpecially  brother 
L.  and  his  wife.  May  the  gracious  Lord  remem- 
ber them  in  mercy  and  love  ! 

November  6.  Was  able  to  fit  up  and  write  to 
my  clear  friend  Mr.  S — y.  It  is  but  little  I  can  do, 
but  thanks  be  to  GOD  for  any  help.  Heard  bro- 
ther W.  preach,  and  thought  it  my  duty  to  blame 
him  for  fpeaking  againft  the  knowledge  of  falva- 
tion.  Was  better  on  Thurfday,  but  threw  myfelf 
into  a  violent  fever  by  my  own  imprudence. 

Tucfday  9.   My  diibrder  feems  to  be  going  off, 

though  I  mend  but  ilowiy.  OnWednefday  1  went 

Ir.  D.'s  in  a  carriage,   and  met  with  Mr.  R. 

ached  there.     The  next   day  Mr.  R.  fee 

off  for  Philadelphia^  and  left  me  dill  poorly. 

Saturday,  13.  Though  I  have  not  preached  for 

a  month,   yet  1  ventured  to  attend  the   funeral  of 

Pre/byteriafiy  but  a  man  who  had  borne  a 

chriftian  character.   As  they  could  get  no  preacher 

1  ,'ir  own  profeiTion,  tbe\  made  application  to 

>ie  attended  on  this  folernri  occa- 

:  and  it  was  a  very  moving  time. 

nday  15.    Found    myfelf  much   better  in 

h,    and   concluded  to  let  off  on  my  Mailer's 

bufinef;  as  foon  as  I  fhoukl  be  properly  equipped. 

On  Thurfday  my  heart  was  fixed,  trufting  in  the 

I,    and  as  my  body  was  gathering  ftrcngth,  I 

lit  out  on  Monday  for  Baltimore  ;  and  on  Friday 

reached 


(  m  ) 

reached  W.  L.'s,  who  entertained  me  with  the 
greatcit  kindnefs.  Here  Iliad  the  pleafure  of  fee- 
iiiil  our  new  church  begun  on  Back-river  Xcch. 
The  next  day  he  conducted  me  in  his  carriage  to 
the  Point,  where  I  was  enabled  to  preach  with 
fome  power.  Then  returned  to  the  Neck  and  met 
with  Mr.  J.  He  heard  the  word  of  GOD  with 
great  freedom  61  miiiu  -,  aiiu  1  uenrve  ms  falie 
peace  was  broken.  My  fpirit  was  greatly  refreshed 
by  meeting  brother  T.  at  Belt-mere  on  Monday  ; 
and  the  next  day  I  was  much  affiited  in  preach- 
ing to  a  large  number  of  people  in  town,  both 
rich  and  poor.  May  the  Lord  GOD  arife  and 
fhow  himfelf  gracious  to  thefe  people  !  Through 
abundant  grace,  I  feel  nothing  contrary  to  the 
purell  intention  •,  nor  the  lead  defire  for  any- 
thing but  GOD.     Elefs  the  Lord,  O  my  foul  ! 

Thurfday  25.  Had  occafion  to  go  to  Annapolis, 
and  found  fome  defire  to  preach  there.  But  per- 
ceiving  the  fpirit  and  practice  of  the  people,  I  de- 
clined it.  A  tavern-keeper  offered  me  the  ufe  of 
his  houfe  for  preaching;  but  he  was  a  deij},  and 
I  did  not  feel  free  to  open  my  mouth  in  his  houfe. 
After  my  return  to  Baltimore,  Mr.  J.  the  per- 
fon  mentioned  a  few  days  ago,  came  and  invited 
me  to  his  houfe.  The  next  morning  at  breakfaft, 
he  fhewed  much  freedom  in  conversion,  and 
there  was  great  appearance  of  a  change. 

Monday  30.  Have  been  able  to  officiate  at  the 
town  and  Point  every  day  ;  and  the  congregations 
rather  increafe.  Lord,  make  me  humble  and  more 
abundantly  ufeful ;  and  give  me  the  hearts  of  the 
people  that  I  may  conduct  them  to  thee.  I  feel 
great  hopes  that  the  GOD  of  mercy  will  interpofe, 
and  do  thefe  dear  people  good.  This  day  we  a- 
greed  with  Mr.  L.  to  undertake  the  brick-work 
of  our  new  building  at  the  Point.    At  night  I  was 

feized 


(      '=4     ) 

feized  with  a  violent  fever;  and  as  many  of  my 
iriends  thought  it  improper  for  me  to  go  imme- 
diately into  the  circuit,  I  concluded  to  abide  for 
a  feafon  in  town.  Many  are  under  fcrr.s  awaken- 
ings here  ;  and  they  are  very  kind  and  affection- 
ate to  me.  My  heart  is  with  the  Lord.  He  is  my 
all  in  all. 

Wednefday,  Dec  I  Preached  at  N.PSs.  &  IV. 
L  's.  At  the  latter  place  many  more  people  attended 
than  we  could  expect,  confidering  the  conduct 
of  A.  R.  who,  in  his  preaching,  had  behaved 
more  like  a  mad  man  than  any  thing  elfe.  Rode 
the  next  day  to  R.  O.'s,  where  a  few  attended  the 
word  who  underftood  the  things  of  GOD.  My 
foul  is  in  peace.  But  I  wifh  to  bear  all  things  with 
perfect  patience  ;  and  feel  lefs  affected  by  all  that 
men  may  lay  of  me,  and  every  act  of  difagreeable 
conduct  towards  me. 

Saturday  4.  I  returned  to  Baltimore  ,-  and  the 
houfe  of  Mr.  M.  was  crowded  with  people  who 
attended  to  hear  the  word  ;  and  the  next  day  I 
felt  great  fatisfaftion,  in  preaching  to  a  large  num- 
ber of  people  at  the  Point;  moil  of  them  gave 
good  attention,  but  fome  were  unruly. 

Tuefday  7.  Ycfterday  I  was  very  ill  all  the  day 
With  a  fever  ;  but  feel  fomething  better  to-day. 
GOD  is  the  portion  of  my  foul.  He  favours  mc 
withfweet  peace,  and  fanctifies  all  my  afflictions. 
Lord,  evermore  keep  me,  and  conduct  me  in 
fafety  to  thy  bieffed  prefence  above  !  I  had  a  fever 
and  kept  my  bed  on  Wednefday,  and  mould  have 
thought  the  day  had  been  loft,  had  it  not  been  a 
feafon  for  the  exercife  of  my  patience. 

Preached  on  Friday  with  fome  fatisfaction, 
though  in  great  weaknefs  of  body,  having  been 
very  ill  in  the  preceding  night.  On  Saturday  my 
mind  was  ferene  ;  though  I  greatly  long  to  have 

a 


(     ro;     ) 

I  deeper  fenfe  of  GOD  continually  reding  on  my 
heart.  My  foul  pants  earneftly  for  clofer  com- 
munion with  the  Lord ;  and  to  die,  to  be  cruci- 
fied to  every  other  object. 

Lord's-day  12.  While  preaching  at  the  Point, 
there  was  great  folemnity  very  viable  in  the  con- 
gregation. The  power  of  GOD  was  eminently 
prefent,  and  one  perfon  fell  under  it.  Such  num- 
bers of  people  attended  to  hear  the  word  to-day 
in  town,  that  we  knew  not  how  to  accommodate 
them;  and  there  appeared  to  be  more  ferioufnefs 
than  ufual  amonglt  them. 

Tuefday  14.  We  had  a  comfortable  time  at  WZ 
/..'s.The  next  day  Mr.  C  a  churck-mimjler  was  pre- 
fent at  preaching.  We  had  fome  converfation  after- 
wards, in  which  we  did  not  difagree.But  poor  man  ! 
one  more  ignorant  of  the  deep  things  of  GOD,  I 
have  fcarcely  met  with,  of  his  cloth.  He  knew 
brother  K.  and  appearing  to  be  angry  with  him, 
he  abufed  him  for  preaching  in  the  church. 
Though  very  unwell,  I  rode  20  miles  on  Thurf- 
day  to  preach  at  W.  JF — 's  where  a  few  of  them 
felt  the  power  of  GOD.  Mr.  W\  and  his  wife  in 
particular  were  tenderly  affected. 

Saturday  18.  Though  in  a  high  fever  I  rode 
20  miles  through  the  rain  to  Baltimore.  But  the 
Lord  preferved  me  ;  and  I  was  able  to  preach  to 
a  fmall  company  at  night.  Being  unwell  on  the 
's  day,  I  did  not  attempt  to  preach  till  night'. 
But  then  the  people  were  ferious,  and  the  power 
of  GOD  was  prefent. 

Monday  2c.  Mrs.  H.  introduced  me  to  the  fa- 
mily of  Mrs.  R.  where  they  treated  me  with  great 
kmunefs  and  care.  Oh  !  that  plenty  may  not  hurt, 
nor  eafe  detlroy  me — Lord,  help  me,  in  all  things 
to  defire  nothing  but  thee. 

Thurfdsy 


(      io<5     ) 

Thurfday  23.  R.  0.  informed  me  that  the 
work  of  GOD  was  gaining  ground  in  Frederick 
county.  I  preached  at  I.  D — 's  in  the  old  town, 
and  had  a  wild,  (taring  congregation.  On  Fri- 
day the  Lord  gracioufly  bled  me  with  fweet  peace, 
and  much  love.  My  heart  is  greatly  affected  at 
times,  for  the  town  of  Baltimore ;  and  1  am  al- 
moft  ready  to  doubt  whether  it  is  my  duty  to 
tarry  here.  Yet  the  ferioufnefs  of  the  people  ap- 
pears to  increafe,  and  a  few  are  concerned  for 
their  falvation. 

Monday  27.  My  foul  was  happy  in  GOD* 
Brother  W.  brought  good  accounts  from  the 
country,  where  the  congregations  are  large,  and 
fome  coming  to  the  Lord.  I  have  great  hopes 
that  my  acquaintance  with  the  family  of  Mrs. 
R.  will  be  rendered  a  blefling  to  them  ;  and  I  ex- 
pert to  fee  the  mother  and  fon  bow  to  the  crofs 
of  Chrift. 

Tuefday  28.  Guife's  paraphrafe  has  lately  af- 
forded me  great  delight.  It  is  a  piiy  that  fuch  a  man 
ever  imbibed  the  Calviniftic  principles.  My 
foul  was  kept  in  peaceful  compofure  to-day  ;  and 
at  night  I  made  a  religious  vint,  which  I  hope 
will  not  be  labour  loft.  On  my  return  home,  I 
had  great  hopes  that  P.  R.  will  yet  become  a 
difciple  of  Jcfus  Chrift.  I  ftill  pray,  and  long, 
and  wait,  for  an  out-pouring  of  the  Blefled  Spirit 
on  this  town,  O  that  the  time  were  come  !  Lord, 
ha  it  en  it  for  thy  mercy  fake  ! 

Tuefday,  January  4.  1.7,741  My  body  has  beerv 
indifpofed  for  fome  days  paft ;  but  the  grace  of 
GOD  has  refted  on  my  foul  -,  and  I  have  been 
enabled  to  preach  feveral  times  with  freedom,  i 
power,  and  great  boldnefs,  the  Lord  being  my 
helper.  Feeling  rather  better  to-day,  I  ventured 
to  ride  in  a  chaife  ten  miles  to  Mr.  L — 's,  where 

we 


(     107     ) 

we  had  fome  agreeable,  chriftian  converfation. 
Returned  the  next  day,  and  continued  unwell; 
fometimes  being  confined  to  my  bed  for  a  day 
together  \  yet  I  preached  at  other  times  to  large 
congregations.  It  frequently  appears  as  if  al- 
mod  the  whole  town  would  come  together  to 
hear  the  word  of  the  Lord.  Surely  it  will  not  be 
altogether  in  vain.  The  Lord  giveth  me  great  pa- 
tience, and  all  things  richly  to  enjoy,  with  many 
very  kind  friends,  who  pay  great  attention  to  me 
in  my  affliction.  Amongil  others,  Mr.  S.  a 
preacher  in  high  Dutch,  came  to  fee  me.  He  ap- 
peared to  be  a  good  man,  and  I  opened  to  him 
the  plan  of  Methodifm. 

Friday  14.  Though  this  was  the  day  for  the 
return  of  my  diforder,  yet  I  felt  much  better.  A 
blifler  under  my  ear  has  removed  the  pain  in  my 
head.  A  great  fenfe  of  GOD  retted  on  my  heart, 
while  meeting  the  clafs  to-day.  There  is  an  ap- 
parent alteration  in  this  family  ;  and  I  muft  con- 
clude the  Lord  directed  my  fleps  among  them. 

Saturday  15.  My  body  is  (till  weak,  though 
on  the  recovery.  Lord,  if  thou  fhouldil  be  pleafed 
to  raife  me  up,  let  it  be  to  do  more  good  !  I  de- 
fire  to  live  only  for  this  !  Lord,  I  am  thine,  to 
ferve  thee  forever,  with  foul  and  body,  time  and 
talents  !  O  my  GOD  !  now  all  I  am  and  have  is 
devoted  to  thee  !  Mercifully  aflift  me  by  thy  grace, 
to  perfevere  in  all  well-doing.   Amen. 

Lord's  day  16.  While  preaching  in  town  this 
evening,  two  young  men,  in  the  midft  of  the 
fermon,  came  in,  and  broke  the  order  of  the 
meeting — On  Monday  my  heart  felt  an  uncom- 
mon burden,  on  account  of  the  inhabitants  of 
this  place.  And  fometimes  I  defpair  of  ever  do- 
ing them  much  good.  But  a  conitant  fenfe  of 
GOD  reflcth  on  my  own  foul. 

"Wednefday 


(     xoS     ) 

Wednefday  18.  My  mind  is  kept  in  peace 
though  my  body  is  weak  ;  fo  that  I  have  not 
ftrength  fufficient  for  travelling :  neverthelefs,  I 
can  read  and  think.  O  that  it  may  be  to  the  glo- 
ry of  him,  who,  in  his  great  wifdom,  thinks  pro- 
per to  confine  me  !  Lord,  ever  draw  my  heart 
after  thee  !  May  I  fee  no  beauty  in  any 
other  object,  nor  defire  any  thing  but  thee! 
My  heart  longs  to  be  more  extenfively 
ufeful,  but  is,  at  the  fame  time,  filled  with 
perfect  refignation  to  GOD  in  all  my  affliction. 

Therefore,  I  cannot  choofe  for  myfelf,  but 
leave  all  to  him. — A  young  man,  who  difturbed 
the  congregation  on  the  evening  of  laft  Lord's* 
dav,  has  feen  it  expedient  to  excufe  his  conduct, 
as  almofl  the  whole  town  thought  him  culpable. 
Thus  doth  GOD  bring  good  out  of  evil,  and  make 
the  fiercenefs  of  man  turn  to  his  praife — Mr.  R. 
informed  me  by  letter,  that  two  of  the  preachers, 
Mr.  B.  and  Mr.  P.  had  embarked  for  England. 

Lord's-day  22.  Great  numbers  of  people  at- 
tended while  I  preached  on  the  parable  of  the 
prodigal  fon. 

Tuefday  24.  This  was  a  day  of  fweet  peace. 
I  held  a  private  conference  with  W.  M.  and 
captain  S.  who  both  appeared  to  be  convinced  of 
fin. 

Thurfday  26.  Many  people  attended  this  even- 
ing, to  hear  an  account  of  the  rife,  difcipline, 
and  practice  of  the  Metbodifts  s  on  which  fub- 
jecl:  I  enlarged  with  a  warm  exhortation,  and  had 
great  liberty  and  fatisfaftion.  If  my  labours 
ihould  be  in  vain  for  the  people,  the  Lord  gives 
me  a  gracious  reward  in  my  own  foul. 

Friday  27.  My  heart  was  fixed  on  GOD,  and 
a  great  part  of  my  time  fpent  in  reading.  I  alfo 
met  a  clafs  and  received  k\Qn  probationers  into 

the 


(     ™9     ) 

the  fociety.     May  the  Lord  give  them  grace  to 
(land  ! 

Lord's-day     29.     It   appears  that   the  people 
here  have  a  great  defire  to  know  the  truth  ,  for 

Ithough  it  rained  and  froze  as  ic  fell,  ye:  a  great 
|many  attended  to  hear.  It  was  a  very  folemn 
time  at  night,  while  I  difcourfed  on  the  awful 
day  of  judgment.  S.  0.  is  tenderly  affected  for 
the  falvation  of  his  foul.  And  IV.  M.  and  P.  R. 
teem  to  be  in  earned  about  this  important  matter. 
Glory  to  GOD  for  thefe  things!  Set  out  on 
Monday  for  our  quarterly  meeting,  and  met  the 
preachers  at  brother  O.'s.  They  all  appeared  to 
have  their  hearts  fixed  on  promoting  the  work  of 
GOD  for  the  enfuing  quarter  ;  and  we  confulted 
together  with  great  freedom  and  love.  On  the 
firft  day  I  enquired  into  the  moral  character  of 
the  local  preachers,  appointed  them  their  work, 
and  gave  them  written  licenfes  to  officiate.  The 
preachers  who  fpoke  at  this  meeting,  marrifeft- 
ed  great  earneilnefs  and  zeal  for  the  falvation  of 
fouls  •,  and  many  of  the  people  were  much  afi 
ed  ;  all  was  harmony  and  love.  Forth: 
quarter  we  had  our  Rations  as  follows  :  P.  E.  E. 
D.  and  R.  O.  in  Frederick  circuit ;  brother  T. 
and  brother  R.  in  Kent  circuit ;  H.  W,  and 
brother  W*  in  Baltimore  circuit ;  and  myiclf  in 
Baltimore  town.  We  appointed  our  next  quar- 
terly meeting  to  be  held  in  Baltimore  on  the  ill. 
of  May  next.  Much  fatigued  in  my  feeble  frame 
by  various  exercifes,  I  returned  to  town,  and  vi- 
fited  Mrs.  M.  who  was  afflicted  in  body  and  dif- 
treffed  in  mind. 

Thurfday,  Feb.  3.  Lafr.  night,  while  we  were 
all  below  (lairs,  my  bed  took  fire  by  tome  un- 
known means,  though  it  flood  three  yards  from 
the  fire-place.     We  happily  came  up  in  due  time, 
K  and 


(       »»      ) 

and  finding  the  room  full  of  fmoke,  we  discover- 
ed the  fire,  and  extinguished  it.  Surely  there 
was  a  kind  providence  in  this  !  This  day  1  wrote 
a  letter  to  Mr.  O.  a  German  minifler,  relative  to 
his  fettling  in  Baltimore  town.  Though  the  wea- 
ther was  very  difagreeable,  yet  many  attended  at 
night  to  hear  the  word.  GOD  is  flill  my  chief 
object ;  and  my  defire  is  to  glorify  and  ferve  him. 
On  Saturday,  Mr.  S.  came  to  confult  me  in  re- 
fpect  to  Mr.  O.'s  coming  to  this  town.  Vie 
agreed  to  promote  his  fettling  here;  and  laid  a 
plan  nearly  fimilar  to  ours — to  wit,  that  gifted 
perfons  amongfl  them,  who  may,  at  any  time, 
bemc-'ed  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  to  fpeak  for  GOD, 
mould  be  encouraged  ;  and  if  the  Synod  would 
not  agree,  they  were  flill  to  perfevere  in  this  line 
of  duty. 

Lord's-day  6.  We  had  a  moving  time  at  the 
Point,  and  after  dining  with  Mr.  S.  the  Ger- 
man minifter,  many  people  attended  at  Mrs.  T.'s 
to  hear  me  preach  ;  but  a  company  of  men,  who 
would  wifh  to  fupport  the  character  of  gentle- 
men, came  drunk,  and  attempted  an  interrup- 
tion :  however  P.  R.  once  their  intimate  afTbci- 
ate  in  fin,  had  courage  enough  to  defend  the 
caufe  of  GOD  :  neverthelefs,  I  thought  it  ex- 
pedient to  difmifs  the  congregation;  and  know 
not  how  this  will  end  ;  but  this  I  know,  Satan  and 
his  emillaries  are  greatly  difpleafed. 

Monday  7.  According  to  appointment,  I  went 
to  Elk-ridge,  and  was  kindly  received  by  Mr.  I.  W. 
I  fpent  part  of  three  days,  labouring  for  the  falva- 
tion  of  fouls.  In  this  place  there  are  many  weal- 
thy and  wicked  people,  deftitute  of  all  true  reli- 
gion. Numbers  attended  to  hear  the  word,  and 
ibme  were  affected.     Lord,  let  it  not  be  as  the 

feed 


(    rii    ) 

feed  fown  by  the  way-fide  !  Returned  to  Balti- 
more on  Wednefday,  and  the  next  day  I  advifed 
the  widow  T.  to  feek  redrefs  of  a  magiftrate, 
for  the  late  riot  made  in  her  houfe.  But  they  ad- 
vifed her  to  put  up  with  it  for  this  time.  As  Mr, 
M.  offered  the  ufe  of  his  houfe,  I  met  the  people 
there  on  Friday  night,  and  found  thedifturb; 
had  not  diminifhed  the  congregation,  but  increas- 
ed it.  Thus  Satan  prepares  a  weapon  to  wound 
his  own  caufe.  After  reading  to  the  congrega- 
tion, part  of  the  plain  account  of  the  people  cal- 
led Methodtfts  ;  I  told  them  we  were  an  united 
body,  and  as  fuch  would  defend  our  own  caufe  ; 
that  I  had  qualified  myfelf  according  to  the  act 
of  toleration,  and  had  a  legal  right  to  preach  the 
gofpel. 

Friday  n.  Endeavoured  to  raife  fomethlng 
fubfeription,  towards  building  a  Methocliib  cnu 
but    as   the   whole   lieth  on  my  moulders,  1 
the  burden    rather  too  heavy.      However^    G 
iz  my  fanport,   and  my  heart  is  with  him. 

Tuefday  15.    A  lively  feme  of  GOD  re -led  on 
my  foul,  while  preaching    to  a  number  of  a1 
tive  people  collected  at  W.  L's\  and  in 
clafsat  night,  I  found  the  members 

Wednefday    16.    Returning   to    the    Point,    I 
received  a   melancholy  account     of  a  poor  . 
cloned  wretch,  who   itaggered    into  a    br 
night,  and  was  found  dead  the  next  morning.  He 
was  found  at  the   door  of  Mr.  L.   and  the;e 
reafons  to  fufpect  he   was    murdered.      Thus  we 
fee  the  vengeance  of  GOD   frequently  overtakes 
impenitent  finnors,  even  in  this  life.     How  aw- 
ful the  thought !  that  a  foul  in  fuch  a  condil 
{liould  be  unexpectedly  hurried  to  the  judgment- 
feat  of  a  righteous  GOD  !  Let  every  poor  dm 
aid  take  the  warning  •,  leit  the  next  time  lie  bea- 
tifies 


(      »2      ) 

tlfieshis  Immortal  fpi?it,by  depriving  it  of  the  pro- 
per ufe  of  its  rational  powers,  it  mould  be  fudden- 
)y  driven  out  of  the  reach  of  divine  mercy.  On  my 
return  to  town  at  night,  W.  Jl'f.  gave  me  a 
pleafing  account  of  the  unfpeakable  peace  with 
which  GOD  had  biefl  him.  But,  1st  him  that 
rnoft  afluredly  ftandeth,  take  heed  left  he  fall. 
The  next  evening,  I  finimed  reading  the  "  Plain 
account  of  the  people  called  Methcdifls  ;"  and 
then  exhorted  the  congregation  with  much 
warmth  of  heart. 

Friday  iS.  While  preaching  at  the  houfe  of 
M.  his  father  and  mother  were  moved  by 
the  word  oi"  GQD.  But  after  lying  down  at 
night  to  reft,  piy  heart  was  oppreffed  with  inex- 
nrdhble  feelings  for  the  inhabitants  of  Baltimore. 
I  amprefled  under  them  as  a  cart  full  of  fheaves ; 
and  would  rather  be  employed  in  the  mod  fervile 
office:-;,  than  preach  to  them,  if  it  were  not  from 
a  fenfe  cf  duty  to  GOD,  and  a  defire  to  be  in- 
ftrumenial  in  laving  their  fouls.  If  honour  and 
worldly  gz'm  were  held  out  as  motives  to  this 
painful  work,  they  would  to  me  appear  lighter 
than  vanity.  But  Lord,  thou  knoweft  my  mo- 
tives and  my  ends  ?  Oh  profper  thou  the  work  of 
my  heart  and  my  hands ! 

Saturday  19.  This  day  was  chiefly  fpent  in 
reading  and  prayer.  Peace,  purity,  and  a  fpirit 
of  warm  devotion  filled  my  heart.  Glory  to 
GOD,  the  author  of  all  my  bleffings.  The  next 
dav,  the  congregation  at  the  Point  were  but  lit- 
tle affected  -,  but  at  night  the  attention  of  the 
people  in  town  was  much  ftruck,  while  I  preached 
from  Matt.  iii.  7.     . 

Monday  21.  I  rode  8  miles  and  preached 
at  Mr.  G.'s.  Rode  afterwards  to  Middle-river y 
and  had  the  fatisfaclion  of  feeing  our  new  houfe 

raifed 


(     "3     ) 

raifed  and  covered  in.  An  oppofer  of  the  truth  has 
been  lately  and  fuddenly  fummoned,  by  the  fmall 
pox,  to  anfwcr  for  his  conduct  at  the  bar  of  Al- 
mighty GOD.  Rode  to  N.  P.'s  the  next  day, 
and  found  fome  whofe  hearts  were  tender.  S. 
W.  gave  me  an  account  of  the  happy  departure 
of  his  brother  I.  IV.  from  this  wicked  and  dan- 
gerous world.  He  had  acted  in  the  capacity  of  a 
ileward  amongft  us  •,  and  was  a  ferious,  faithful 
man. 

Happy  foul,  who,  free  from  harms, 
Refts    within  his  Saviour's    arms." 

N.  P.  rode  in  company  with  me  to  IV.  L.'s, 
where  we  fpent  the  evening  comfortably.  After 
preachinga  few  times,  I  returned  on  Thurfday  to 
town,  and  was  much  pleated  to  hear  of  the  fuc- 
cefs  which  W.  M,  had  met  with  in  railing  a  fub- 
fcription  of  more  than  a  hundred  pounds  for 
our  building.  Thus  doth  the  Lord  give  us  fa- 
vour in  the  fight  of  the  people.  Mr.  R.  took 
up  two  lots  of  ground  for  the  purpofe  of  build- 
ing *,  and  Mr.  M.  feemed  determined  to  pro- 
fecute  the  work  at  all  events.  Surely  the  Lord 
hath  (lirred  up  their  minds  to  this  pious  enter;  . 
and  will  blefs  them  therein.  As  my  body  has 
now  gained  a  little  ftrength,  I  am  determined  to 
rife  early, and  make  the  moil  of  my  precious  time- 

Lord's-day  27.  I  rofe  with  a  folemn  fenfe  of 
GOD  on  my  heart  •,  and  had  many  to  hear  both 
in  town  and  at  the  Point. 

On  Tuefday  29,  feveral  went  with  me  to  /, 
TV.'s,  where  we  found  a  large  company  of  people 
collected,  who  appeared  both  ignorant  and  proud. 
"While  attempting  to  preach  to  them  from  thefe 
wovdSyJIlay  we  know  ivhat  this  new  doftr'uu 
K  z 


(     "4     ) 

thoufpeafajlh  ?  my  mind  was  cpprefled  above  mea- 
fure;  fo  that  both  my  heart  and  my  mouth  were 
almo(l  (hut:  and  after  1  had  done,  my  fpirit  was 
greatly  troubled.  O  my  foul !  if  confined  jto  thefo- 
ciecy  of  the  wicked,  what  couldefl  thou  find  but 
texaticn  and  grief  ?But,  where  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
is,  there  is  liberty.  Having  frequently  16  or  20 
miles  to  ride,  and  then  to  preach  before  dinner, 
which  is  often  as  late  as  four  o'clock,  it  {hakes  my 
conftitution,  and  is  painful  to  the  ficfli.  But  I 
cheerfully  fubmit  to  thefe  things  for  the  fake  of 
precious  foul 5.  What  did  the  bleffed  Jefus  fuf- 
for  me  !  The  r.c::t  day  a  champion  in  fin,  a 
.  who  had  been  a  famous  ringleader  in  abfurd 
arid  diabolical  fports,  was  deeply  wounded  by 
the  Spirit  of  God,  while,  in  the  courfe  of  my  fer- 
mon,  I  was  defenbing  the  horrible  torments  to 
which  thofe  would  be  expofed  in  hell,  who  had 
been  instruments  in  the  hands  of  Satan,  to  train 
up  others  in  fin  and  difobedience.  He  after- 
wards invited  me  home  ;  and  we  had  fome  feri- 
ous  converfation.     I  then  returned  to  Baltimore. 

Friday,  March  4.  I  was  clofely  employed  all. 
this  day,  and  enjoyed  peace  in  my  foul.  But  oh  ! 
how  does  my  fpirit  pant  for  more  of  GOD  !  The 
next  morning  my  mind  was  fomewhat  dejected 
by  the  weight  of  my  ftrong  defires  for  more  pure 
M\d  undefined  religion.  In  reading  the  works  of 
Mr.  Brandon,  efpecially  his  meditations,  my 
heart  was  greatly  melted.  Through  grace,  I  feel 
a  fixed  determination,  to  live  more  than  ever  to 
the  glory  of  GOD.  On  the  Lord's-day  I  laboured 
for  my  mailer,  both  in  the  town  and  at  the  Point 
.t  off  the  next  morning  for  Gunpowder-neck^ 
and  on  Tuefday  preached  at  the  funeral  of  IV.  P. 
who  had  waited  for  the  confolation  oflfrael,  and 
departed  in  peace,  triumphantly  declaring,  I  have 

fought 


(    »s    ) 

fcvght  ile  gocd  fgktylbave  juiifljed  my    cot, 

J  have  kept  the  faith.  Here  we  have  a 
lively  and  fteady  clafs.  O  that  they  may  remain 
fo  !  The  next  clay  maiiy  people  attended  while 
I  preached  at  the  funeral  of  /.  M.  who  alfo  died 
in  the  Lord.  My  text  was,  Blejjed  and  holy  is  he 
that  hath  part  in  the  firfl  refurreclicn.  The  pow- 
er cf  the  Lord  was  prefent,  and  it  was  a  melting 
time.  The  Spirit  of  GOD  was  prefent  with  us 
alfo  at  the  upper  ferry,  while  I  preached  to  a 
large  congregation  from  Pfalm  cv:xvi.  3.  The  Lord 
h  I'b  done  great  things  for  us .  5  reef '  ive  are  glad. 
Honed,  fmiple  D.  R  has  en  made  a  great 
blefling  to  thefe  people.  Such  is  the  wifdom  and 
power  of  GOD,  that  he  hath  wrought  marvel-* 
louily  by  this  plain  man.  that  no  fiefh  may  glory 
in  his  pretence. 

Friday  1 1.  On  my  way  to  /.  P---'s,  my  horfe 
tired,  and  fell  down  with  me  on  his  back.  But 
I  was  not  in  the  lcaft  hurt.  Calling  at  Dr.  A — 's, 
I  met  with  /,  R.  a  Quaker,  who  faid  it  gave  him 
pain  to  think  that  7.  P.  fhould  go  home  for  or- 
dination, and  exprefled  his  difapprobation  of 
our  going  to  the  Church  for  the  ordinances,  fup- 
pofing  we  might  have  them  amongit  ourfelves. 
But  this  was  ail  a  farce.  He  would  rather  that  we 
fliould  drop  them  altogether.  And  in  the  courfe  of 
converfation,  he  laboured  to  overthrow  them  in- 
tirely.  But  when  I  told  him,  it  might  appear  to 
me  as  a  duty  to  ufe  them,  though  I  mould  not 
iuppofe  that  all  went  to  hell  who  did  not  ufe 
them  ;  he  afked,  why  we  ufe  them  if  they  are 
not  efiential  to  falvation  ?  What  weal:  reafoning 
is  this  !  Do  they  think  laying  them  ailde  is  thus 
efTential,  or  wearing  their  clothes  in  fuch  a  fhape, 
or  uiing  (as  they  call  it)  the  plain  language  ?  Why 
then  do  they  follow  thefe  practices?    But  what 

makes 


(     "«    ) 

makes  them  fo  contracted  and  bitter  in  their  fpi- 
rit,  as  fome  of  them  are  ?  There  is  one  that 
knoweth. 

After  preaching  the  next  day  at  brother  P — 's,. 
andhaving  the  pleafure  to  find  that  thefociety  there 
had  increafed  both  in  number  and  grace,  I  then 
returned  to  Baltimore,  and,  though  much  fatigued,, 
fpoke  at  Baltimore  in  the  evening. 

Bleffed  be  GOD!  S.  0.  feems  determined  to 
give  up  all  for  Chrift.  And  the  little  fociety  in 
town  are  (till  prefling  on.  The  Lord  has  been  the 
keeper  of  my  foul  in  this  journey  ;  my  peace  has 
been  great,  and  my  intention  pure. 

Monday  14,  Set  out  to-day,  with  fome  agree- 
able company,  for  Mr.  W—  's ;  and  though  it 
rained  a  fmall  congregation  attended  :  but  they 
difcovered  very  little  fenfibility  in  the  things  of. 
GOD.  My  frame  feems  lately  much  affected  by 
nervous  diforders.  But  let  the  will  of  the  Lord 
be  done  !  After  feeling  much  dejection  of  mind, 
and  preaching  on  Tuefday  at  the  houfe  of  /,  O. 
on  Wednefday  I  vifited  /.  C.  a  very  ft  iff,  old 
church-man.  But  as  his  parfon,  Mr.  E.  difagreed 
with  him  in  the  doctrine  of  Predejlination^  he 
was  much  difpleafed  with  him,  and  willing  to  re- 
ceive us.  I  preached  at  his  houfe  in  the  day  with 
forne  freedom,  and  expounded  at  night.  May  the 
Lord  apply  the  word  to  their  conviction  and  con- 
Terfion ! 

Returned  on  Thurfday  to  Baltimore^  and  was 
favoured  with  liberty  and  power,  while  preaching 
to  a  confiderable  congregation  at  night. 

Saturday  19.  The  Lord  bleffed  my  foul  with 
fweet  peace  in  the  day,  and  with  the  aid  of  his 
Holy  Spirit  in  preaching  at  night.  My  heart  is 
with  GOD.  The  Lord  Jehovah  is  my  ftrength, 
and  my  f  ong  ;  He  alio  is  become  my  falvation. 

Satan 


(     "7     ) 

Satan  afTaulted  me  powerfully  with  his  temp- 
tations on  Monday;  but  by  calling  on  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  I  was  delivered.  How  faithful  and 
gracious  is  GOD!  He  will  not  naffer  his  people 
io  be  tempted  above  that  they  are  able  to  bear  ; 
but  will  with  the  temptation  make  a  way  to  efcapc. 
Precious  truth  !  Sometimes  we  are  tempted  to 
the  uttermofl  of  our  ftrength,  but  never  beyond 
it.  We  always  (land,  at  leaft,  on  equal  ground 
with  Satan :  and  by  faith  in  Chrift,  we  may  be 
more  than  conquerors. 

Tuefday  22.  I  rode  a  few  miles  into  the  fore  ft, 
and  preached  at  Mr.  E — 's.  The  people  were 
much  quickened;  and  there  were  great  appear- 
ances of  real  good. 

Wednefday  23.  At  the  houfe  of  JV.  L.  I 
preached  a  funeral  ferraon  on  the  death  of  his 
brother  Jcjhua.  Many  of  his  friends  and  neigh- 
bours were  prefent.  It  was  a  very  folemn,  awful, 
warning  feafon.  May  the  people  retain  the  im- 
preflions  they  then  received ;  and  be  found  pre- 
pared for  their  own  departure.  The  next  day  I 
rode  to  meet  Mr.  W.  but  took  cold,  as  the  wea- 
ther was  fevere,  and  found  mylelf  much  indif- 
pofed.  Mr.  W,  preached  an  animating  difcourfe 
from  Rev.  vr.  17.  There  is  a  great  probability 
that  his  coming  will  be  made  a  particular  blef- 
fing  to  many. 

Being  much  indifpofed  on  Friday,  Mr.  IV, 
preached  to  a  large  congregation.  There  is  fome- 
thing  very  finguiar  in  his  manner-,  neverthelefs 
the  Lord  owns  and  blefies  his  labours.  Though 
I  continued  very  unwell  the  next  day,  I  went  to 
church,  and  heard  Mr.  C.  deliver  a  good  difcourfe 
on  retirement  and  private  devotion  ;  and  after- 
wards I  attempted  to  preach  at  the  Point;  but 
found  myfelf  much  worfe  at  mv  return  to  town. 

My 


(   ns   y 

My   indifpofit  >i        rly,  have  fo 

preffed  rr.e  do\  n  for  fonie  time  pad,  tlvat  I  do 
not  expect  to  abide  long  in  this  world  of  danger 
and  trouble;  neither  do  I  defire  it.  But  come 
life,  or  come  death,  let  the  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done  !  After  the  phyficians  had  given  over  I.  L 
and  thought  they  could  do  him  no  more  fervice, 
we  had  recourfe  to  that  o!d-fafhioned  remedy, 
prayer,-  and  had  reafon  to  believe  the  Lord  in 
mercy  heard  us. 

Thurfday  29.  My  illnefs  has  been  fo  fevers, 
that  I  have  preached  but  little  for  fome  days  pall; 
but  felt  myfelf  rather  better  to-day.  As  Captain 
TV.  had  appointed  to  preach  at  Mr.  W—  's,  and 
was  accidentally  prevented,  left  the  people  fhould 
be  difappointed,  I  ventured  to  go  in  his  (lead. 
But  after  preaching  was  taken  very  ill,  and  obli- 
ged to  go  immediately  to  bed. 

Lord's -day,.  ^  pril  3.  Though  ftill  very  unwell, 
I  attempted  to  preach.  How  difficult  it  is,  for 
a  man  who  longs  for  the  falvation  of  fouls  to  be 
filent  i  Gratitude  urges  me  to  acknowledge  the 
Providence  of  GOD,  and  the  kindnefs  of  my 
friends.  The  people  who  have  had  the  chief 
trouble  with  me  in  my  late  afflictions,  have  fliewa 
remarkable  care,  tendernefs,  and  concern.  May 
the  Lord  reward  their  work  and  labour  of  love  ! 

Wediiefday  6.  My  indifpolition  has  been  fo 
great  this  week,  that  I  have  been  incapable  of  all 
public  exercifes.  Severe  chills  and  burning  fevers 
have  been  my  portion  both  day  and  night.  Oh  ! 
that  I  may  wifely  and  diligently  improve  thefe 
feafonscf  afHicfion  !  When  (hall  I  be  all  glorious 
within  !  My  foul  longs  for  the  complete  image 
and  full  enjoyment  of  GOD.  Satan  too  often 
takes  the  advantage  of  my  conftitution,  and  be- 
trays me  into  fuch  a  degree   of  chearfuhiefs,  as 

has 


(     "9    ) 

has,  at  Icail,  the  appearance  of  levity.  But  my 
prevailing  and  earneft  defire  is,  to  live  and  act  as 
fin  the  immediate  prefence  of  a  holy  and  trlorious 
GOD.  Lord,  make  me  more  ferious,  watchful, 
and  holy  ! 

Ventured  on  Thurfday  to  ride  in  a  carriage  1 2 
miles  to  town;  but  was  very  ill  mod  of  the  night. 
On  Saturday  Capt.  W.  intended  to  have  failed  in 
the  packet,  but  when  he  faw  the  entertainment  he 
was  to  have,  he  returned  to  abide  with  us  for  a 
fhort  feafon.  In  great  weaknefs  of  body,  I  met  the 
congregation  this  evening,  without  any  intention 
to  preach  ;  but  feeing  a  great  number  of  people 
Collected,  my  fpirit  was  moved  within  me,  and  I 
thought  it  my  duty  to  exert  what  little  ftrength 
I  had,  and  preach  to  the  people.  But  I  was  in- 
difpofed  and  confined  all  the  next  day.  However, 
Capt.  IV.  fupplied  my  place. 

Monday  i  i.  I  was  fomewhat  better.  But  I  find 
myfelf  aflauited  by  Satan  as  well  in  ficknefsas  in 
health,  in  weaknefs  as  in  ftrength.  Lord,  help  me 
to  urge  my  way  through  all,  and  fill  me  with 
humble,  holy  love,  that  I  may  be  faithful  until 
death,  and  lay  hold  on  eternal  life.  On  Tuefday 
I  ventured  to  go  as  far  as  Mr.  Z..'s,  and  my  foul 
was  kept  in  peace:  Though  the  next  day,  my  fpi- 
ritual  adverfary  aflauited  me  in  a  foft  and  artful 
way;  but  the  Lord  delivered  me.  May  he  ever 
grant  me  grace  to  confide  in  him,  and  devote  my 
body  and  foul  intirely  to  his  fervice. 

Thurfday  14.  Rode  back  to  town,  and  was  en- 
abled to  preach  with  freedom  and  comfort,  from 
the  cafe  of  Naaman  the  leper.  My  heart  is  much 
drawn  out  after  GOD,  with  a  determination  to  be 
more  devoted  to  him,  and  more  fervent  in  prayer. 

Lord's-day  17.  Both  yeften.iay  and  to-day  my 
foul  enjoyed  more  peace  and  more  love.     May 

thefe 


(   i*°  ) 

thefe  graces  never  be  interrupted.  A  great  num- 
ber attended  at  the  Point,  while  I  enforced  thefe 
awakening  words,  O  earth,  earth,  earth,  hear  the 
ivord  cf  the  Lord.  After  meeting  the  clafs  of 
young  men,  I  returned  and  fpoke  in  town  from 
Prov.  xxiv.  30.  Was  much  fatigued,  but  defire 
to  be  thankful  to  GOD,  that  I  am  gathering  fome 
strength  for  duty.  We  have  reafon  to  think,  the 
fpirits  of  hartihorn  have  been  ferviceable  in  my 
diforder. 

Monday  18.  My  foul  was  in  peace,  but  my 
body  weak.  This  day  the  foundation  of  ourhoufe 
in  Baltimore  was  laid.  Who  could  have  expecled 
that  two  men,  once  amongfl:  the  chief  of  finners, 
would  ever  have  thus  engaged  in  fo  great  an  un- 
dertaking for  the  caufe  of  the  bleffod  Jefus  ?  This 
is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvellous  in  our 
eyes.  He  hath  touched  and  changed  their  hearts. 
He  hath  moved  them  to  this  acceptable  undertak- 
ing ;  and  he  will  furely  complete  it ;  and  raife  up 
a  people  toferve  him  in  this  place. 

Tuefday  19.  My  foul  W3S  in  a  comfortable 
frame  •,  but  I  did  not  employ  all  my  time  in  fo 
ufeful  a  manner  as  I  might  have  done.  This  was 
partly  owing  to  my  bodily  weaknefs.  But  in  clafs- 
meeting  this  evening,  we  had  a  happy  and  bleffed 
time  indeed.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped.  So 
my  labour  hath  not  been  in  vain. 

Wednefday  20.  Poor  Mr.  B.  arrived  here  to- 
day from  England.  In  great  diftrefs  he  applied  to 
me  for  a  little  money.  And  is  it  come  to  this! 
Ah !  what  will  be  the  end  of  thofe  that  forfake 
GOD,  for  wealth,  a  wife,  or  any  thing  e\ie  I  O 
my  foul,  keep  thefe  things  always  in  remembrance 
as  a  perpetual  caution  !  And  may  the  Lord  keep 
me  ever  humble,  and  dead  to  all  created  good.  I 

read 


(  ««  ) 

read  the  rules  and  met  the  fociety  in  the  evening  ; 
and  it  was  a  melting,  happy  time. 

Thurfday  21.  My  heart  was  fixed  on  GOD, 
and  kept  in  peace.  I  was  able  to  walk  fome  dis- 
tance to  day,  and  believe  the  Lord  is  about  to  r^- 
ftore  me  to  health.  May  it  be  to  ferve  him,  and 
him  only! 

Saturday  23.  Though  weak  in  body,  I  have 
been  able  for  a  few  days  paft,  to  go  through  my 
public  exercifes  j  and  was  both  inftrucled  and  de- 
lighted to-day,  in  reading  the  Revelation  with  its 
comment.  There  we  fee  the  rife  and  fpread  of 
the  Chriftian  religion  through  the  extenilve  and 
idolatrous  empire  of  the  Romans ;  the  wars  of  the 
Saracens;  the  gradual  rife  and  artful  progrefs  of 
Popery.  What  an  amazing  prophetic  hiftory  is 
this,  of  all  people  and  nations  in  epitome  !  How 
expreffive  are  the  differently  coloured  horfes,  and 
furprifing  reprefentations  (cei\  by  St.  John  !  In 
this  book  extraordinary  events  are  foretold,  a,  well 
as  the  proper  rule  of  our  faith  and  practice  re- 
vealed. If  this  deep  book  were  fully  underilood, 
need  we  go  any  farther  after  knowledge  ? 

Monday  25.  The  Lord  favoured  me  yefterday 
with  liberty  in  preaching  to  large  companies  both 
in  town  and  Point.  And  this  day  my  foul  expe- 
rienced a  fweet  mixture  of  peace,  and  joy,  and 
grief.  We  had  a  very  comfortable  time  at  the 
clafs  in  the  evening. 

Wednefday  27.  We  were  all  quickened  by  the 
grace  of  GOD  in  clafs  meeting  laft  night.  Blefled 
be  GOD  !  Calm  ferenity  fills  my  mind  ;  and  my 
body  recovers  a  little  iirength. 

Friday  29.  What  a  miracle  of  grace  ami!  How 

unworthy,  and  yet  how  abundantly  bleft  !   In  the 

midft  of  all  temptations,  both  from  without    and 

fiom  within,    my  heart   truReth  in  the  Lord.     I 

L  wa„ 


(      **3      ) 

was  greatly  delighted  to-day,  in  reading  Dr  Guife 
on  the  reign  of  Chrift,  which  on  earth  will  be 
fpiritual,  and  in  glory  perfonal  and  eternal.  O  the 
beauties  and  joys*  of  which  I  have  fome  profpe£t, 
in  that  celeftial  world  !  It  feems  rather  flrange, 
that  till  lately  I  could  difcover  no  beauties  in  the 
Revelation  by  St.  John.  But  now  I  think  it  is 
the  grand  key  of  all  myfteries,  whether  pure 
or  impure  •,  opening  to  view  all  the  revolutions,, 
perfections,  and  errors  of  the  church  from  that 
time  till  the  end  of  the  world.  And  then  it  fa- 
vours us  with  a  glimpfe  of  what  (hall  remain  for 
ever.  In  preaching  to-night  from  thefe  words, 
Bodily  exercife  profiteth  little  ;  but  Godlinefs  is  pro- 
fitable unto  all  things  j   I  took  occafion  to  fhew, 

i.  That  bodily  exercife,  or  what  is  called  re- 
ligious aclions,  cannot  change  a  {i-nful  heart,  or 
purchafe  love. 

2.  Wherein  Godlinefs  confifteth,  viz.  In  re- 
pentance, faith,  love  to  GOD  and  man,  meek- 
nefs,  refignation,  chaftity,  and  the  pure  fpiritual 
worlhip  of , GOD. 

3.  Wherein  this  is  profitable,  viz.  In  all.ftates, 
in  all  commerce,  in  the  felicity  of  the  pofTefibr, 
in  the  general  benefit  of  others,  and  finally  in 
eternal  glory.  My  mind  has  been  grieved  by 
fome  who  have  fpoken  evil  of  minifters.  But 
I  muft-be  fure.to  take  care  of  my  own  foul ;  that 
is  more  to  me  than  all  the  world,  and  all  the 
men  in  it.  And,  Weffed  be  GOD  !  he  fills  me 
with  peace  and  purity.  Lord,  grant  that  this 
,maybc  my  portion,  increasing  for  ever  ! 

Lord's-day  May  1,  Preached  twice  and  met 
two  clafles.  In  the  morning  at  the  Point  I  had 
fome  feeling;  but  found  myfelf  rather  fhut  up 
at  night  in  town. 

Monday 


(     «3     ) 

Monday  2.  My  foul  loveth  the  Lord  GOD. 
What  a  great  and  blefied  portion  is  he  for  worth- 
Jefs  man  !  This  evening  was  (pent  in  company 
with  two  German  ministers  who  are  very  friend- 
ly, and  intend  to  be  prefent  at  our  quarterly 
meeting  to-morrow. 

Tuefday  3.  Our  quarterly  meeting  be^an.  I 
preached  in  the  morning  -,  and  in  rhe  afternoon 
we  fettled  our  temporal  bufinefs,  with  great  order 
and  much  love.  When  inquiry  was  made  rela- 
tive to  the  conduct:  of  the  preachers,  there  were 
fome  complaints  of  a  few,  who  had  been  nemifs 
m  meeting  the  focieties,  and  catechiu  ng  the  chil- 
dren. The  next  day  feveral  of  usfpoke  in  public, 
and  then  we  parted  in  peace. — Had  a  friendly  in- 
tercourfe  with  Mr.  O.  and  Mr.  5.  the  German 
miTii iters,  refpecting  the  plan  of  church-difcipline 
on  which  they  intended  to  proceed.  They  agreed 
to  imitate  our  methods  as  nearly  as  poiTible. 

Friday  6.  I  preached  from  Matt;  xii.  50;  but 
felt  my  mind  dejected.  Not  meeting  with  fuch 
fuccefs  in  this  town  as  my  foul  ardently  longs  for, 
I  rather  feel  a  delirc  to  depart,  and  to  try  fome 
other  people.  But  let  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done, 
My  heart  has  been  deeply  affected  by  reading  the 
life  of  Col.  Gardiner.  Blefied  be  GOD  for  fa 
many  who  experience  the  fame  work  of  grace 
which  we  preach,  and  at  the  fame  time  are  not 
of  us!  This  is  a  great  confirmation  of  the  work 
of  GOD.  And'  iuh  fever  d»elh  the  will  of  mj  Fa- 
ther who  is  in  heaveny  of  every  denomination,  the 
fame  fall  be  my  brother,    and  ff^r,  and  mother. 

Saturday  7.  My  foul  longeth  for  GOD.  My 
heart  and  my  fleth  cry  out  for  him.  O  that  I 
were  wholly  devoted  to  my  GOD  ! 

LordVday  3.  Severa*  appeared  to  feel  fome- 
thang  of  the  power  which  attended  the  word,  both 

sit 


(     IM     ) 

at  the  Point  and  in  town.  On  Monday  my  foul 
was  hi  peace,  and  GOD  was  the  object,  of  my 
love.  Mr.  C  attended  our  clafs-meeting,  andex- 
preiTed  his  approbation.  The  Lord  was  with  us, 
-and  we  were  greatly  bleft.  Mr.  IV.  arrived  to-day 
from  Virginia.  He  gave  us  a  circumfcantial  ac- 
count of  the  work  of  GOD  in  thofe  parts.  One 
houfe  of  worfhip  is  built,  and  another  in  contem- 
plation; two  or  three  more  preachers  are  gone 
out  upon  the  itinerant  plan:  and  in  fome  parts 
the  congregations  confiit  of  2  or  3000  people. 
But  fome  evil-minded  perfons  have  oppofed  the 
ail  of  toleration,  and  threatened  to  imprifon  him. 
May  the  Lord  turn  their  hearts,  znd  make,  them 
partakers  of  his  great  falvation  ! 

Wednefday  1 1. 1  went  to  Mr.  Z,.*s,  and  preach- 
ed to  a  large  congregation  ;  then  called  at  N.  iVs, 
and  preached  a  funeral  fermon  on  the  death  of 
his  lifter,  who  was  once  happy  in  religion.  Re?- 
turned  to  town  on  Thurfday,  and  preached  with 
freedom  to  an  attentive  audience. 

Friday  13.  I  packed  up  my  clothes  and  books 
to  be  ready  for  my  departure  ;  and  had  an  agree- 
able converfation  with  Mr.  CX  The  next  day 
feme  of  my  friends  were  fo  unguarded  and  im- 
prudent, as  to  commend  me  to  my  face.  Satan, 
ready  for  every  advantage,  feized  the  opportunity 
and  am\ulted  me  with  felf-pleafmg,  felf-exalting 
ideas.  But  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  di (cover  the 
danger,  and  the  fnare  was  broken.  May  he  ever 
keep  me  humble,  and  little,  and  mean  in  my  own 
eyes  ! 

Lord's-day  15.  About  to  take  my  leave  for  a 
feafon,  I  went  to  the  Point  and  enlarged  on  thefe 
words,  I  atn  afraid  of  you  ^  tefl  I  have  beflowed  upon 
you  labour  in  vain ;  and  trull  fome  felt  at  laft  the 
worth  and  weight  of  divine  truths.     My  fubjecT: 

at 


(    >*s   ) 


tt  night  in  town  was  this  *,  /  tale  you  to  record  this 
|/jw,  th.it  1  am  -pure  from  the  Hood  of  all  men.'  In 
preaching  from  thefe  words,  my  mind  was  under 
tome  embarrarTment.  Perhaps  my  fooliih  heart 
denred  to  end  with  honour  :  and  the  Lord  in 
mercy  prevented  it.  May  I  ever  be  contented 
with  that  honour  which  cometh  from  GOD 
Only. 

Monday  16.  When  the  time  of  parting  came, 
I  felt  lomc  unwiilingnefs  to  leave  my  kind  and 
valuable  friends ;  however,  I  took  horfe  and 
rode  1 6  miles  to  Mr.  G.'s,  where  a  large  compa- 
ny attended  to  hear  the  word.  Many  were  alio 
prefent  at  Mr.  GVs.  In  examining  the  leaders,  I 
found  them  Heady ;  but  refufed  to  give  a  licence 
to  an  exhorter,  who  had  been  too  unwatchful. 
After  a  long  prejudice  Mr.  /.  G.  invited  me  to 
his  houfe,  and  treated  me  kindly.  In  preaching 
at  Mr.  Z?.'s,  my  heart  was  troubled  within  me  for 
the  dulnefs  and  unbelief  of  the  people. 

Wednefday  18.    Rode    to    Sufquehattrtahy    and 

many  of  the  leading   men  were  prefent,  with   a 

'large  congregation.     Simple    D,  R.    has  been  an 

in  ft  rumen  t  of  real  and  great  good  to  the  people 

in  thefe  parte. 

Thurfday  19.  I  am  happy  in  GOD  after  all  my 
labours.  But  when  amonglt  my  friends,  my  mind 
inclines  to  a  degree  of  cheerfulnefs  bordering  on 
levity.  O  for  more  watchfulnefs  ! — a  more  con- 
ftant,  (Inking  fenfe  of  an  omniprefent  GOD  ! 
Preached  to-day  in  the  market-houfe  at  Charlef- 
toivn.  The  congregation  was  ibmewhat  large, 
and  many  of  them  very  attentive.  The  company 
was  large  at  Bohemia  on  Friday,  and  my  own  heart 
was  deeply  affected,  and  much  drawn  out  while 
fpeaking  from  Rev.  iii.  3.  At  Newcajlle  on  Sa- 
turday, Satan  was  there  diverting  the  people  by 
L  ■%  a  play, 


(    i&    > 

a  play.     However,  feveral   came  to  hear  me  en* 
force  thefe  words,  Be  not  ye  partakers  with  them. 

Monday  22.  After  preaching  yefterday  at 
Newport  and  Red-clay-crcek,  I  rode  to-day  to 
Chejler :  and,  though  weary,  fpoke  from  Gal. 
vi.  14.  Here  my  old  friends,  Mr.  M.  and 
Mr.  S.  from  Neiu-Tork,  met  me;  and  the  next 
day  we  rode  to  Philadelphia.  Hitherto  the  Lord 
hath  helped. 

Wednefday  25.  Our  conference  began.  The 
overbearing  fpirit  of  a  certain  perfon  had  excited 
my  fears.  My  judgment  was  (lubbornly  oppofed 
for  a  while,  and  at  iaft  fubmitted  to.  But  it  is 
my  duty  to  bear  ail-  things  with  a  meek  and  pa- 
tient fpirit.  Our  conference  was  attended  with 
great  power;  and,  ail  things  considered,  with 
great  harmony.  We  agreed  to  fend  Mr.  W.  to 
land ;  and  all  acquiefced  in  the  future  ftations. 
of  the  preachers.  My  lot  was  to  go  to  York, 
My  body  and  mind  have  been  much  fatigued  du- 
ring the  time  of  this  conference.  And  if  I  were 
not  deeply  confeious  of  the  truth  and  goodnefs 
of  the  caufe  in  which  I  am  engaged,  I  fhould  by 
210  means  iiay  here.  Lord  !  what  a  world  is 
!  yea,  what  a  religious  world  !  O  keep  my 
heart  pure,  and  my  garments  unfpotted  from  the 
.vornl !  Our  conference  ended  on  Friday  with 
a  comfortable  intercefnon. 

Lord's-day  29.  This  was  a  day  of  peace,  and 
the  Lord  favoured  me  with  faith  and  energy 
whi:e  preaching  to  the  people.  I  vifited  Mr.  IV. 
who  is  going  to  England ;  but  found  he  had  no 
tafte  for  fpiritual  fubj-cls.  Lord,  keep  me  from 
all  fuperfiuity  of  drei's,  and  from  preaching  emp- 
ty fluff  to  pleafe  the  ear,  inftead  of  changing 
the  heart !  Thus  has  he  fulfilled  as  an  hireling 
his  day.     We  had  a   very  folemn  love-feaft  to-* 

dayi 


(       127       ) 

day  ;  and  on  Monday  my  friends  and  I  fet  off  in 
the  ftage  for  Neiu-York>  where  we  arrived  on 
Tuefday  evening  about  eight  o'clock.  We  had 
fome  trifling  company  on  the  way,  who  talked 
much  to  but  little  purpofe.  My  old  friends  in 
York  were  glad  to  fee  me.  But  I  dill  fear  there 
is  a  root  of  prejudice  remaining  in  the  hearts  of 
a  few.  May  the  Lord  prepare  me  for  all  events  ! 
that  I  may  act  and  fuffer  in  all  things  like  a 
Chriftian.  Captain  W.  preached  a  good  fcrmon 
in  the  evening. 

June  lft.  Considering  my  bodily  weaknefo, 
and  the  great  fatigue  through  which  I  have  gone, 
it  feems  wonderful  that  my  frame  mould  fupport 
it,  and  be  Hill  fo  capable  of  duty.  My  mind 
is  alfo  kept  in  peace.  My  heart  was  much 
drawn  out  both  toward  GOD  and  the  people, 
while  preaching  this  evening  from  Sam.  vii.  12.. 
But  too  much  of  the  old  fpirit  is  flill  discovera- 
ble in  my  few  prejudiced  friends.  Mr.  C.  net 
contented  with  his  unkind  and  abufive  letter,  is 
flil!  exerting  all  his  unfriendly  force.  I  feel  myfelf 
aggrieved :  but  patiently  commit  my  caufe  to 
GOD.  Therefore,  their  contention  may  fubfill 
amongfl  themfelves.  I  fliall  not  contend  with 
them. 

Thurfday  2.  In  the  public  exercife  of  the 
evening,  my  heart  was  warmed  with  affection 
for  the  people.  And  except  a  very  fmall  num- 
ber of  diffatisfied,  rcftlefs  fpirits,  the  hearts  of 
the  people  are  generoufly  opened  towards  me. 
My  heart  is  dill  fixed  on  GOD  ;  and  determined, 
through  grace,  both  to  ferve  him,  and  promote 
the  profperity  of  his  caufe. 

Friday  3.  Chrilt  is  precious  to  my  believing 
heart.  Bleffed  be  GOD  for  this!  it  is  infinitely 
more  to  me  than  the  favour  of  all  mankind,  and 

the 


(      »«     ) 

the  poiTeflion  of  all  the  earth.  The  next  day 
my  foul  was  alfo  fweetly  drawn  out  in  love  to 
GOD ;  and  found  great  freedom  and  happinefs* 
in  meeting  the  Leaders  and  the  Bands.  I  told 
them  that  the  Spirit  and  Providence  of  GOD 
would  certainly  affix!  in  purging  the  fociety  5  that 
the  time  would  come,  when  fuch  as  were  in- 
fincere  and  half-hearted  would  have  no  place 
amongft  us. 

Lord's-day  5.  Attended  the  old  church  as 
ufual,  but  clearly  faw  where  the  gofpel-miniftry 
was.  The  Spirit  of  grace  mercifully  ailifted  me 
in  the  public  duties  of  this  day.  .  On  Monday 
I  preached  with  great  plainnefs  and  power  in 
the  Meadows  ;  but  while  jpreaching  on  Tuefday 
evening,  my  ideas  left  me,  though  I  felt  myfelf 
Spirited  in  addreiTmg  the  people  by  way  of  ex- 
hortation. 

Wednefday  8.  The  fire  of  divine  love  glow- 
ed in  my  heart.  My  foul  was  in  peace.  My 
affections  were  pure,  and  withdrawn  from  earth- 
ly objects,  But  I  fear,  left  felf-complacency 
ihould  have  any  place  in  me.  May  the  Lord 
keep  me  in  the  fpirit  of  humility,  prayer,  and 
loving  zeal ! 

Thurfday  9.  While  reading  a  fermon  of  Mr. 
Brandon's  on  Quench  not  tfie  Spirit,  in  company 
with  a  few  friends,  both  they  and  I  were  much 
quickened.  BlelTed  be  God !  my  foul  is  kept 
in  peace,  and  power,  and  love.  Had  great  li- 
berty this  evening  in  pointing  out  the  caufes 
why  we  have  not  more  of  the  fpirit  of  devotion 
— neglect  or  dulnefs  in  prayer — too  much  hearr- 
attention  to  the  world — the  want  of  more  faith 
in  the  realities  of  eternity,  and  the  promifes  of 
GOD — not  looking  more  earnellly  to  GOD,  in 
humble  er.ptclathn  of  receiving  his  grace,  &c. 

Lord's-day 


(       **?      ) 

Lord's-day  12.  Both  my  body  ami  mind  are 
weak.  As  Mr.  R.  was  thought  by  many  to  be 
a  great  preacher,  I  went  in  the  afternoon  to  hear 
him.  He  was  very  ftiff  and  ftudied  in  his  com- 
pofition,  and  dwelt  much  on  their  favourite  doc- 
trine of  imputed  righteoufnefs.  He  appeared  to 
have  very  little  liberty,  except  in  a  ihort  applica- 
tion. With  great  enlargement  of  heart,  I  fpoke 
in  the  evening  from  thefe  words,  1  If  they  hear 
not  Mcfes  and  the  prophets y  neither  ivill  they  be  per- 
fuaded  though  one  rofe  frt?n  the  dead.  In  meeting 
the  fociety  at  night,  I  fpoke  plainly  of  fome  who 
neglect  their  bands  and  claries  j  and  informed 
them  that  we  took  people  into  our  focietics,  that 
we  might  help  them  to  become  entire  Chriftians  ; 
and  if  they  wilfully  neglected  thofe  meetings, 
they  thereby  withdrew  themfelves  from  our  care 
and  afliilance.  The  next  day  many  people  at- 
tended the  preaching  at  the  Meadows. 

Tuefday  14.  My  heart  feems  wholly  devoted 
to  God,  and  he  favours  me  with  power  over  all 
outward  and  inward  fin.  My  affections  appear 
to  be  quite  weaned  from  all  terreltrial  objects. 
Some  people,  if  they  felt  as  I  feel  at  prefent,  would 
perhaps  conclude  they  were  laved  from  all  in- 
dwelling fin.  O  my  God,  fave  me  and  keep  me 
every  moment  of  my  life  !  The  next  day  my  foul 
was  under  heavy  exercifes,  and  much  troubled  by 
manifold  temptations ;  but  (till,,  all  my  care  was 
call  on  the  Lord.  I  find  it  hurtful  to  pore  too 
much  on  rhyfelf.  True,  I  fliould  be  daily  em- 
ployed in  the  duty  of  felf -examination,  and  ft  rich- 
ly attend  both  to  my  internal  and  external  con- 
duct ;  but  at  the  fame  time  my  foul  ihould  ftea- 
dily  fix  the  eye  of  faith  on  the  bleffed  J.Jfus,  my 
mediator  and  advocate  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
eternal  Father,  Lord,  caufe  thy  face  to  mine  up- 
on 


(     x3°     ) 

on  me  °,  and  make  me  always  joyful  in  thy  falva- 
tion. 

Thurfday  16.  My  foul  was  more  and  more  de- 
lighted in  GOD.  I  felt  myfelf  uneafy  to-day  on 
account  of  riding  out,  though  I  was  confcious  it 
was  intended  for  my  health.  Yet  to  fome  it 
might  have  the  appearance  of  pleafuring,  and  en- 
courage them  to  fsek  their  carnal  pleafure  in  fuch- 
things-. 

Saturday  1 8.  The  Lord  was  my  helper  j  and 
my  mind  was  in  peace. 

Lord's-day  19.  This  was  a  bleffed  and  delight- 
ful day  to  my  foul.  The  grace  of  GOD  was 
eminently  with  me  in  all  my  public  duties.  Heard 
Mr.  E.  at  St.  Paul's  church  preach  from  thefe 
words,  Put  on  the  new  many  which  after  Gcd  is 
created  in  righteoufnefs  and  true  ho/inefs.  He  fpoke 
well  on  man's  fallen  ftate,  and  the  new  creation  : 
and  brought  good  reafons  to  prove  that  we  mull 
be  renewed  in  order  to  dwell  with  GOD.  But 
he  did  not  infill  on  the  neceffity  of  repentance 
and  faith  in  order  to  obtain  this  change.  m 

Monday  20.  Mr.  5.  Mr.  TV.  and  Mr.  T.  bore' 
me  company  as  far  as  Kings-bridge,  on  my  way 
to  Ntw-Rochelle.  Was  much  indifpofed  when  1^ 
reached  the  houfe  of  my  friend  Mr.  D.  never- 
thelefs,  thought  it  my  duty  to  preach  to  the  peo- 
ple. The  Lord  is  doing  fomething  for  feverai  - 
fouls  in  this  place.  Though  they  have  had  but 
very  few  fermons  for  twelve  months,yet  the  clafs- 
is  lively  and  engaged  with  GOD. 

Thurfday  23.  After  preaching  as  often  as  I 
could  to  many  people  who  attended  at  New-Rcch- 
elfe,  I  fet  off  for  Torhy  and  was  met  at  Kings- 
bridge  by  Mr.  5.  and  Mr.  J.  But  on  my  arrival 
in  the  city  I  found  myfelf  very  unwell,  and  had 
a  painful,  refdefs  night. 

Friday 


(     »3i     ) 

Friday  24.  Found  myfelf  better  •,  and  wss 
much  refrefhed  by  letters  from  Mr.  L.  and  Mr. 
S — v  in  Maryland.  But  one  of  thefe  letters  in- 
formed me  that  Mr.  S — e  was  very  officious  in  ad- 
miniftering  the  ordinances.  What  ftrange  in- 
fatuation attends  that  man  !  Why  will  he  run  be- 
fore Providence  ? 

Saturday  25.  My  fever  was  very  high  laft  eve- 
ning, fo  I  took  an  emetic  this  morning.  I  found 
liberty  in  my  own  foul,  and  great  meltings  a- 
mongll  the  people,  while  preaching  on  the  Lord's 
day.  Though  my  diforder  has  a  tendency  to  op- 
prefs  my  fpirits,  yet,  blefTed  be  GOD  !  I  am  fa- 
voured with  power  to  conquer  every  fpirirual  foe  ; 
and  my  heart  is  fomttimes  wonderfully  railed  as 
on  the  wings  of  faith  and  love. 

Monday  27.  R.  S.  who  accompanied  me  a  few 
miles  into  the  country  to-day,  was  very  near  be- 
ing drowned.  Re  went  into  a  ftream  of  water 
to  wafh  his  horfe  and  chaife,  but  accidentally  got 
out  of  the  horfe's  depth,  and  they  muft  all  have 
been  unavoidably  loft,  had  not  two  men  fwam  in 
and  dragged  them  to  the  fhore.  Thus  the  Lord 
preferveth  both  man  and  beaft.  I  went  to  bed 
this  evening  in  much  pain,  and  had  an  uncom- 
fortable night. 

Tuefday  28.  Many  of  my.  good  friends  kindly 
vifited  me  to-day  ;  and  in  the  afternoon  I  took 
another  emetic.  My  heart  is  fixed  on  GOD,  as 
the  belt  of  objects,  but  pants  for  more  vigour 
and  a  permanent,  folemn  fenfe  of  GOD.  Rofe 
the  next  morning  at  five,  though  very  weak,  and 
fpent  a  great  part  of  the  day  in  reading  and  wri- 
ting. Many  people  attended  the  public  worfhip 
in  the  evening,  though  1  was  but  juft  able  to  give 
them  a  few  words  of  exhortation.  Seeing  the 
people  fo  defirous  to  hear  now   I   am   unable  to 

fay 


(  *p-  ) 

fay  much  to  fhem,  Satan  tempts  me  to  murmur- 
ing and  difcontent.  May  the  Lord  fill  me  with 
perfect  refignation  ! 

Thurfday  3c.  My  body  was  very  weak  and 
fweated  exceedingly.  If  I  am  the  Lord's,  why 
am  I  thus  ?  But  in  his  word  he  hath  told  me, 
If  I  be  without  chqftifementy  then  am  la  bajlard  and 
not  a/on.  O  that  this  affliction  may  work  in  me, 
the  peaceable  fruits  of  internal  and  univerfal 
Tighteoufnefs  !  An  attempt  to  fpeak  a  little  in  ex- 
hortation this  evening,  greatly  augmented  my 
diforder. 

Friday  July  -1.  In  prayer  to  day  with  J.  B. 'a 
foldier  in  the  23d  regiment,  the  Lord  greatly  re- 
frefhed  and  ftrengthened  my  foul  My  mind  was 
ilrongly  impreiTed  with  a  perfuafion,  that  GOD, 
through  mercy,  would  reitore  me  to  health.  If 
fo,  I  am  determined,  by  his  afliftance,  to  be  more 
than  ever  intent  on  promoting  his  caufe  and  his 
glory.  Gave  an  exhortation  at  night,  and  met 
the  leaders  :  but  the  next  day  I  was  much  indif- 
pofed  ;  neverthelefs,  I  fpent  part  of  my  time 
in  reading  the  afflicted  condition  of  the  Walden- 
fes,  when  fo  wickedly  perfecuted  by  the  Dominic- 
cms  ;  with  the  rife  of  thofe  brutifh  men, 

Lord's-day  3.  Poor  Mr.  H.  came  to  me  in  great 
difcrefs.  He  is  a  native  of  Stovubridge,  where,  as 
he  fuppofes,  he  has  a  wife  now  living  ;  and  he 
has  been  fo  unwatchful  as  to  fuffer  his  affections 
to  (tray.  May  the  Lord  deliver  him  out  of  this 
dangerous  fnare  of  Satan  !  If  not,  he  may  be  un- 
done !  I  fpoke  with  freedom  this  morning  from 
Job  x.  2.  and  fpent  part  of  the  day  in  reading  of 
the  holy  war  which  was  carried  on  againft  the 
JValdenfes  and  Albigenjes^  by  the  devil,  the  pope, 
and  their  emiflaries.  Though  my  body  is  ftill 
weak,  my  foul  is  ftrong  in  the  Lord,  and  joyful 

in 


(     133     ) 

in  his  falvation.  And  at  night  I  was  able  to 
preach  with  fpirit,  and  found  myfelf  happy  in 
addreiTing  a  large  and  attentive  audience. 

Monday  4.  I  fpent  part  of  this  day  in  vifiting  a 
few  friends,  and  found  my  heart  much  united 
to  /.  5.  a  mufician  of  the  23d  regiment.  Was 
much  better  to  night  than  I  had  been  for  fome 
time,  and  enjoyed  a  good  night's  reft. 

Tuefday  5.  In  reading  the  life  of  Calvin,  it 
appeared  that  many  in  his  day,  had  oppofed  the 
doctrine  of  predeitination  •,  and  all  who  oppofed 
it  were  fpoken  of  by  him  and  his  followers,  as 
bad  men.  My  fever  returned  this  evening,  and  it 
was  a  painfulj  reftlefs  night.  But  the  will  of  the 
Lord  be  done  !  Though  he  flay  me,  yet  will  I  truih 
him  !  Found  very  great  laflitudeof  body  the  next 
day  alfo  *,  but  my  foul  hungered  and  thi riled  for 
more  of  GOD.  In  reading  Clark's  life  of  Or 
I  felt  a  ftrong  defire  to  imitate  that  great  and 
good  man,  as  far  as  he  went  right. 

Thurfday  7.  My  diforder  was  much  abated, 
and  I  had  power  to  fpeak  plainly  and  pointedly  to 
both  faints  and  finners. 

Lord's-day  10.  My  bodily  weaknefs  has  been 
fuch,  for  a  few  days  pad,  as  to  prevent  my  officia- 
ting much  in  public  j  however,  1  ventured  to 
preach  twice  to-day,  but  in  the  evening  was  10 
weak  that  I  could  fcarce  iland  in  the  pulpit ;  but 
while  preaching  on  the  parable  of  the  prodigal 
fon,  the  Lord  greatly  refrefhed  and  ftrengthened 
me  j  though  I  went  to  bed  very  ill  at  night.  Sa- 
tan  tempted  me  to-day,  to  think  much  of  my  gifts. 
Alas  !  what  poor  creatures  we  are  ;  and  to  w 
dangers  are  we  expofed  !  What  are  all  our  gifts, 
unlefs  they  anfwer  fome  good  purpofe  ?  IJnlefs 
properly  improved,  they  neither  make  us  holier 
nor  happier.  We  have  nothing  but  what  we  hav,- 
M  received ; 


(     '34     ) 

received  ;  and  urJefs  we  are  humble  in  the  poi- 
feilion  of  them,  they  only  make  us  more  like  de- 
vils, 2nd  more  fit  for  Hell — How  wonderfully  is 
the  language  and  behaviour  of  Mr.  L.  changed 
towards  me.  Before,  I  was  every  thing  that  was 
h^d.  But  now  all  is  very  good.  This  is  a  mif- 
take  :  my  doclrine  and  preaching  are  the  fame  ; 
and  fo  is  my  manner.     But  fuch  is  the  deceitful- 

nefs  of  the   man.     His  favourite  Mr. 

is  now  gone.  Had  I  preached  like  an  archangel 
it  would  have  been  to  no  purpofe,  while  I 
thought  it  my  duty  to  oppofe  him. 

Monday  1 1.  My  foul  is  notfo  intenfely  devoted 
to  GOD  as  I  would  have  it  ;  though  my  defires 
for  more  fpintuality  are  very  llrong.  Lord,  when 
{hall  my  poor  heart  be  as  a  rifing,  aclive,  holy 
fiame  ?  BlefTed  be  GOD  I  my  illnefs  is  more 
moderate  to-day,  than  it  has  been  for  fome  days 
pad.  On  Wednefday,  a  letter  from  S.  0.  in- 
formed me  that  the  houfe  in  Baltimore  was  then 
ready  to  be  inclofed.  He  alfo  expreiTed  a  great 
defire  to  perfevere.  May  the  Lord  give  him 
grace  fo  to  do. 

Thurfday  14.  My  mind  is  in  peace.  I  have 
now  been  lick  near  ten  months  ',  and  many  days 
clofely  confined.  Yet  I  have  preached  about 
three  hundred  times,  and  rode  near  two  thoufand 
miles  in  that  time  :  though  very  frequently  in  a 
high  fever.  Here  is  no  eafe,  worldly  profit,  or 
honour.  "What  then,  but  the  defire  of  plea fing 
GOD  and  ferving  fouls,  could  ftimulate  to  fuch 
laborious  and  painful  duties  ?  O  that  my  labour 
may  not  be  in  vain  !  that  the  Lord  may  give  me 
to  fee  fruit  of  thefe  weak,  but  earned  endeavours, 
many  days  hence  !  After  preaching  this  evening 
with  fome  warmth  of  heart,  I  was  very  clofe  and 
pointed  in  meeting  the  feciety. 

Saturday 


(     >35     ) 

Saturday  16.  My  heart  was  much  taken  up 
with  GOD.  Letters  from  my  dear  friends.  Mr. 
F.  and  Mr.  R.  gave  me  great  fatisfaftion.  In 
meeting  the  band-fociety,  I  (hewed  them  the  pof- 
fibility  of  ufmg  all  the  means,  and  without  finceri- 
ty  and  fpirituality,  they  might  {till  be  deftitute  of 
true  religion. 

Monday  18.  The  Lord  affifted  me  in  yefler- 
day's  duties  ;  and  he  is  the  keeper  and  comforter 
of  my  foul  to-day.     A  poor  unhappy  young  wo- 
man, who   had  abandoned   herfelf  to   the    devil 
and  wicked  men,  being  at  the  point  of  death,  and 
expecting  to  go  (hortly  and  render  an  account  of 
herfelf  to  GOD,  fent  for  me  to  vilither.     I  felt 
fome  reluctance  ;  but  confidering  the  danger  her 
foul  was  in,  thought  it  my  duty  to  go.     She  was 
very  attentive   while  I  fpoke  plainly  to  her,  and 
made  prayer  to  GOD  in  her  behalf — Strange  in- 
fatuation !   that    men  will  not  feriouily  think    of 
preparing  for  death,  till  it  comes  upon  them  !  If 
we  were  Cure  of  dying  in  a  few  hour?,  mod  men 
would  think  it  their  duty  to  labour  for  a  prepara- 
tion :  but  when  no  man  is  fure    of  living  a  tew 
hour3,  very  few  think  feriouily  about  it.     So  docs 
the  god  of   this    world  blind  the  minds  of  man- 
kind ! 

Thurfday  21.  My  heart  enjoys  great  freedom, 
with  much  peace  and  love  both  towards  GOD 
and  man.  Lord,  ever  keep  me  from  all  fin,  and 
increafe  the  graces  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  in  my  foul. 
A  letter  from  Mr.  R,  brought  melancholy  ti» 
dings  of  A,  W.  Alas  for  that  man  !  He  has  been 
ufeful,  but  was  puffed  up  and  fo  fell  into  the  fnare 
of  the  devil.  My  heart  pitied  him  ;  but  I  fear  he 
died  a  backflider. 

Lord's-day  24.  Ended  the  parable  of  the  pro- 
digal ion.     Docs  it  r,ot  appear  from  this  parable, 

that 


(     i3«     ) 

that  Tome,  who,  comparatively  fpeaking,  have  all 
iheir  life-time  endeavoured  to  pleafe  GOD,  and 
are  entitled  to  all  his  purchafed,  communicative 
bleflings,  are  neverthelefs  not  favoured  with 
fuch  rapturous  fenfations  of  divine  joy  as  fome 
others — I  remember  when  I  was  a  fmall  boy  and 
went  to  fchool,  I  had  ferious  thoughts,  and  a  par- 
ticular fenfe  of  the  being  of  a  GOD  ;  and  great- 
ly feared  both  an  oath  and  a  lie.  At  twelve  years 
of  age  the  Spirit  of  GOD  drove  frequently  and 
powerfully  with  me  :  but  being  deprived  of  pro- 
per means  and  expofed  to  bad  company,  no  ef- 
fectual impreffions  were  left  on  my  mind.  And, 
though  fond  of  what  fome  call  innocent  diverfi- 
onSj  I  abhorred  fighting  and  quarreling  :  when 
any  thing  of  this  fort  happened,  I  always  went 
home  difpleafed.  But  I  have  been  much  grieved 
to  think  that  fo  many  Sabbaths  were  idly  fpent, 
which  might  have  been  better  improved.  How- 
ever,wicked  as  my  companions  were,  and  fond  as 
I  was  of  play,  I  never  imbibed  their  vices.  When 
between  thirteen  and  fourteen  years  of  age,  the 
Lord  graciouily  vifited  my  foul  again.  I  then 
found  myfelf  more  inclined  to  obey  ;  and  care- 
fully attended  preaching  in  Weft-Bromwick  ;  fo 
that  I  heard  Stillingjleety  Bagnel>  Ryland,  Anderfon, 
Mansfield,  and  Talbott,  men  who  preached  the 
truth.  I  then  began  to  watch  over  my  inward 
and  outward  conduct  ;  and  having  a  defire  to 
hear  the  Method'ifis,  I  went  to  Wednejbury,  and 
heard  Mr.  F.  and  Mr.  /.  but  did  not  underiland 
them,  though  one  of  their  fubjects  is  frefh  in  my 
memory  to  this  day.  This  was  the  firft  of  my 
hearing  the  Methodijls.  After  that,  another  per- 
fon  went  with  me  to  hear  them  again  :  the  text 
was,  The  time  will  come  when  they  will  not  endure 
found  dotlrine.     My  companion  was   cut  to  the 

heart, 


(     '37     ) 

heart,  but  I  was  unmoved.  The  next  year  Mr. 
M — r  came  into  thofe  parts.  I  was  then  about 
fifteen ;  and  young  as  I  was,  the  word  of  GOD 
foon  made  deep  impreiTions  on  my  heart,  which 
brought  me  to  Jefus  Chnft,  who  graciouily  juili- 
fied  my  guilty  foul  through  faith  in  his  precious 
blood :  and  foon  {hewed  me  the  excellency  and 
neceflity  of  holinefs.  About  fixteen  I  experienced 
a  marvellous  difplay  of  the  grace  of  GOD,  which 
fome  might  think  was  full  fancliiication  ;  and  wa3 
indeed  very  happy  though  in  an  ungodly  family, 
At  about  feventeen  I  began  to  hold  fome  public 
meetings  ;  and  between  feventeen  and  eighteen 
began  to  exhort  and  preach.  When  about  twen- 
ty-one I  went  through  Stafford/hire  and  Gloucefter- 
fiire,  in  the  place  of  a  travelling  preacher  ;  and 
the  next  year  through  Bedfird/hire,  Suftex,  &c. 
In  1769  I  was  appointed  afliftant  in  Northampton- 
JJjire  ;  and  the  next  year  travelled  in  Wiltjhire. 
September  3,  1 77 1,  I  embarked  for  America,  and 
for  my  own  private  fatisfaction,  began  to  keep 
an  imperfect  journal. 

To-day  Dr.  O.  preached  a  pertinent  difcourfe 
on  the  ihortnefs  of  time.  The  Lord  favoured 
me  with  great  liberty  in  the  evening,  while 
preaching  to  a  large  congregation  from  Gen. 
xix.  17.  And  I  was  enabled  to  fpeak  plainly 
and  clofely  in  meeting  the  fociety  at  night. 

Tuefday  26.  My  foul  is  in  peace.  But  I 
long  to  be  more  fpiritual — to  be  wholly  devoted 
to  GOD.  Some  circumftances  make  me  fear 
that  we  have  a  few  bad  characters  in  the  fociety 
here.  Thefe  are  the  people  that  injure  the  caufe 
of  GOD.  Like  Judas  they  betray  the  Lord 
with  a  kifs.  It  is  not  eaiy  to  conceive  how  fuch 
characters  counteract  the  mod  faithful  preach- 
ing. 
M  2. 


I    *s«   ) 

ing.  If  their  conduct  is  not  fully  known  to  the 
preachers,  it  is  fo  known  to  many  of  their  ac- 
quaintances; that  Satan  takes  the  offered  advan- 
tage, and  hardens  the  hearts  of  many  againfl  all  the 
power  of  religion.  Of  all  characters,  that  of  a 
defi gning  fniner  under  the  fair  appearance  of  re- 
ligion, is  the  mod:  odious.  O  that  the  Lord 
may  ftrip  all  fuch  unfound  profeflbrs,  in  every 
place,  of  their  covering ;  and  fhew  them  to  his 
fervants  in  their  own  proper  colours,  that  1/rael 
may  be  able  to  put  away  the  accurfed  thing  from 
among  them  \  and  fo  increafe  both  in  ftrength 
•dnd  number. 

Wednefday  27.  I  rofe  early  this  morning  to 
fee  my  Chriflian  brethren,  the  foldiers,  go  eff^ 
but  was  much  affected  at  parting  with  thofe  wor- 
thy men,  /.  S.  and  L  B.  May  the  Lord  go  with 
them  ! 

Thurfday  28.  The  Lord  {hews  me  the  fnares 
of  Satan,  and  enables  me  to  avoid  them.  He 
favours  me  with  the  light  of  his  countenance, 
and  fills  me  with  holy  love.  Surely  we  (land  in 
jeopardy  every  hour!  This  day  the  thunder  and 
lightning  (truck  four  people  dead  on  the  fpot. 
Awful  icene  I  And  will  man  Hill  venture  to  be 
carelefs  and,  wicked  ?  I  made  fome  improve- 
ment on  the  fubjeel  in  the  evening. 

Friday  29.  I  rofe  unwell  this  morning,  and 
received  a  melancholy  account — that  the  daugh- 
ter of  I.  S.  was  beat  over-board.  Poor  man  ! 
He  has  loft  both  his  children  by  going  to  fea. 
I  was  much  bleft  at  interceflion  to-day,  but  fhut 
up  in  preaching  at  night.  My  foul  is  determin- 
ed to  iive  more  to  GOD. 

Lord's-day  3:.  We  had  a  feeling  time  this 
morning  while  I  preached  from  Pfalms  1.  13. 
After  the  various  duties  of  the  day,  I  met  the 

fociety, 


(     »39     ) 

fociety,  and  (hewed  them  the  utility  of  our  eco- 
nomy, the  advantages  of  union,  and  the  fearful 
end  of  leaving  our  fellovvfhip. 

Auguft  i.  Some  of  my  good  friends  accom- 
panied me  as  far  as  King's- bridge,  on  my  way  to 
Neiv-Roche/Ie.  I  vifited  my  little  flock  with  feme 
fatisfaclion.  Here  are  fome  of  the  offspring  of. 
the  French  Pretermits,  who,  on  account  of  ttair 
religion,  fled  from  Rochelle  in  France.  And 
GOD  has  mercifully  remembered  them  unto  the 
third  and  fourth  generation. 

I  have  great  difcoveries  of  my  defe&s  and 
weaknefles.  My  foul  is  not  fo  fleadily  and  warm- 
ly devoted  to  the  Lord,  as  it  might  be.  Lord, 
help  me,  and  fupply  me  with  grace  always.  In 
preaching  from  Ephefians  ii.  12,  13.  I  had  great 
freedom.  It  feems  ftrange,  that  fometimes  after 
much  premeditation  and  devotion,  I  cannot  ex- 
prefs  my  thoughts  with  readinefsand  perfpicuityj 
whereas  at  other  times,  proper  fenrences  of  fcrip- 
turc  and  apt  expreffions  occur  without  care  or 
much  thought.  Surely  this  is  of  the  Lord,  to 
convince  us  that  it  is  not  by  power  or  might,  but 
by  his  Spirit  the  work  mun  be  done.  Neverthe- 
lefs,  it  is  doubtlefs  our  duty  to  give  ourfelves  to 
prayer  and  meditation,  at  the  fame  time  depend- 
ing entirely  on  the  grace  of  GOD,  as  if  we  had 
made  no  preparation.  Rofe  early  the  next  morn- 
ing, but  found  myfelf  weak  both  in  body  and 
mind.  In  this  tabernacle  I  groan  earneilly,  de- 
filing to  be  clothed  upon  with  the  houfe  which 
is  from  heaven.  My  foul  longs  to  fly  to  GOD, 
that  it  may  be  ever  with  him.  O  happy  day,  that 
{hall  call  a  poor  exile  home  to  his  Father's  houfe  ! 
But  I  muii  check  the  impetuous  current  of  de- 
fire,  for  it  is  written,  He  that  bdieveth  Jhall  mi 
make  hajle.     After  preaching  to  a  large  auditory 

in 


(     140     ) 

in  the  evening  at  P.  B.'s,  I  reded  in  peace.  Vft 
fited  Mr.  B.  a  partial  friend,  the  next  day,  and  had 
ibme  ferious,  weighty  converfation  with  him.  I 
then  went  to  Mr.  D — 's  very  unwell,  and  in  trou- 
ble and  pain  fpoke  from  Job  xxi.  15.  After  a 
very  reftlefs  night,  I  rofe  the  next  morning  much 
indifpofed,  and  was  obliged  to  go  to  bed  again* 
However,  on  Friday  5,  I  fet  off  for  New-Tork  ; 
and  there  met  with  W.  W — /. 

Saturday  6.  My  mind  is  calm  and  comforta- 
ble, but  grieved  by  the  imprudence  of  fome,  and 
the  loofe  conduct  of  a  few  others.  Though  much 
afflicted,  I  met  the  band-leaders  and  body-bands, 
and  we  had  a  fingular  blefling. 

Lord's-day  7.  We  had  a  folemn,  happy  love- 
feaft.  Though  very,  weak,  I  made  out  to  preach 
in  the  evening  with  fome  enlargement  of  heart — 
Brother  W.  has  much  courage  in  preaching. 

Tuefday  9.  My  foul  was  affaulted  by  trials  cf 
a  very  fevere  kind  :  but  the  Lord  was  my  keeper. 
I  have  been  reading  Newton  on  the  prophecies.. 
He  is  pretty  clear  in  his  views,  and  affords  a  good 
key  for  many  paffages  ;  but  confines  himfelf  too 
much  to  the  literal  meaning  of  the  Revelation. 

Wednefday  10.  My  frame  is  much  afflicted. 
But  it  is  worfe  to  be  afflicted  in  mind  by  the  mif- 
conduct  of  profeffors.  It  grieves  me  much  to 
fee  the  deceit  of  a  few  perfons  who  have  crept  in 
among!!  us.  It  is  a  thoufand  pities  that  fuch, 
whofe  hearts  are  not  right  with  GOD,  mould 
ever  thruft  themfelves  in  amongft  the  people  of 
GOD.  They  are  too  apt  to  make  all  they  are 
connected  with  as  a  rope  of  fand.  I  clearly  fee 
that  profeffors  who  are  rotten  at  heart,  are  a  hin- 
drance and  curfe  to  the  reft.  May  the  Lord 
throughly  purge  his  floor  ! 

Wednefday 


(     Mi     ) 

Wednefday  10.  I  was  very  low,  but  met  my 
i\  clafs  and  preached  in  the  evening.  There  ap- 
peared to  be  but  little  depth  of  religion  in  the 
clafs.  It  is  a  great  folly  to  take  people  into  fo- 
ciety  before  they  know  what  they  are  about. 
What  fome  people  take  for  religion  and  fpiritual 
life,  is  nothing  but  the  power  of  the  natural  paf- 
fions.  It  is  true,  real  religion  cannot  exift  with- 
out peace,  and  love,  and  joy.  But  then  real  re- 
ligion is  real  holinefs.  And  all  fenfations  with- 
out a  itrong  difpofition  for  holinefs,  are  but  de~ 
lufive. 

Thurfday  1 1.  My  foul  is  in  peace  ;  and  longs 
to  be  more  devoted  to  GOD.  My  heart  was  en- 
larged and  happy  in  exhorting  the  people  this 
evening. 

Friday  12.  This  was  a  day  of  trouble  and  de- 
je&ion  of  mind.  But  committing  my  caufe  to 
GOD  by  faith  and  prayer,  I  have  a  hope  that  he 
will  always  (land  by  and  deliver  me.  My  foul 
was  greatly  ftraitened  in  public  fpeaking.  I  re- 
ceived feveral  letters  to-day  ;  fome  of  which  re- 
vived my  fpirits ;  but  one  from  Mr.  R.  gave  me 
pain.  Satan  makes  ufe  of  all  his  cunning  and 
tricks.  But  the  Lord  will  rebuke  him.  My  du- 
ty is  clear — to  bear  all  things  patiently,  and  fi- 
lently  commit  my  caufe  to  GOD.  Even  in  this 
city  there  are  feme  reftlefs  minds,  who  are  not 
much  difpofed  to  fpiritual  union.  Going  into 
the  pulpit  this  evening,  I  found  an  inflammatory 
letter  without  a  name.  My  trials  are  multiplied 
and  weighty  :  but  glory  to  GOD  !  he  ftrengthens 
and  comforts  me  by  an  abundant  manifeftation  of 
his  love.  O,  how  is  my  foul  taken  up  with 
GOD  !  He  is  all  in  all  to  me  !  And  if  he  is  for 
me,  I  need  not  care  who  is  againil  me. 

Lord's- 


(    U%    ) 

Lord's-day  14.  Mr.  P — y  vifited  and  dinecf 
with  the  rector  to  day,  and  what  the  event  will  be, 
I  know  not.     Attending  at  church,  as  ufual,  I 

heard  Dr. blow  away  on,  This  is  the  day  that 

the  Lord  hath  made.  He  makes  a  ftrange  medley 
of  his  preaching  ;  though  he  delivers  many  good 
things,  yet  for  want  of  fome  arrangement  of  his 
ideas,  all  appears  to  be  incoherency  and  confu- 
lion.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  with  me,  while 
declaring  his  counfel  to  a  large,  liflening  audience. 
O  that  I  could  bring  them  to  the  arms  of  Chrifl 
by  thoufands  ! 

Monday  15.  1  felt  fome  conviction  for  deep- 
ing too  long  ;  and  my  mind  was  troubled  on  ac- 
count of  a  converfation  which  had  paft  between 
Mr.  R.  Mr.  S.  and  myfelf.  But  the  great  Search- 
er of  hearts  knoweth  my  intentions,  and  to  him  I 
fubmit  all  future  events.  Mr.  L.  waited  on  Mr. 
P—y,  and  told  him  he  appeared  to  be  more 
taken  up  in  reading  Mr.  Berridge's  Chrijlian  world 
unma/kedy  than  the  bible.  Mr.  Berridge  kept  his 
room,  in  a  very  gloomy  ftate  of  mind,  about  5 
years  ago  •,  and  now  he  is  come  forth  with  his  fa- 
cetious pen  to  dictate  to  the  Chriftian  world.  But 
Mr.  Fletcher  in  his  fifth  check,  has  fully  anfwered 
all  his  witty  arguments.  Mr.  Berridge  was  a  good 
man,  no  doubt,  but  unfortunately  drank  deep  in- 
to the  principles  of  Antinomianifm. 

Wednefday  17.  My  mind  is  free ;  and  my  foul 
delighteth  in  GOD.  He  taketh  fuch  pofiefSon 
of  my  heart,  as  to  keep  out  all  defrre  for  created 
objects.  In  due  time,  I  humbly  hope,  through 
Jeius  Chrilt,  to  enter  into  the  full  fruition.  O 
bieffcd  diy,  when  my  foul  (hall  be  fwallowed  up 
in  GOD  ! 

<c  In  hope  of  that  immortal  crown, 
"  I  now  the  crois  fuitain  ^ 

"And 


(     M3     ) 

w  And  gladly  wander  up  and  down, 
"  And  fmile  at  toil  and  pain." 

Friday  19.  I  was  very  unwell;  and  in  much 
pain  of  body  fpoke  to  the  people  at  night.  Thus 
it  feems,  at  prefent,  weaknefs  and  pain  are  apart 
of  my  portion.  O  that  my  foul  may  be  made 
perfect  through  fufferings  ! 

Lord's-day  21.  My  body  is  afflicted,  and  my 
way  is  rough  •,  neverthelefs,  I  cheerfully  fubmit 
to  the  will  of  GOD.  And  though  very  unwell 
I  met  a  clafs  and  preached  at  night. 

Monday  22.  My  heart  panteth  for  GOD,  even 
for  the  living  GOD.  A  letter  came  to  hand  to- 
day from  E.  B.  giving  an  account  of  the  work 
of  the  Lord  in  Gibraltcr,  and  inviting  me  to  go. 
But  my  way  is  not  open. 

Tueiday  23.  A  degree  of  the  peace  and  hap- 
pinefs  of  heaven  pofTdied  my  foul  to-day.  And 
although  it  was  a  rainy  evening,  many  people  at- 
tended while  I  preached  from  2  Kings  v.  14, 
15,  16. 

Wednefday  24.  My  mind  is  much  exercifed  a- 
bout  going  to  Glbralter.  May  the  Lord  direct  my 
iteps.  On  Friday,  at  interceflion,  my  heart  was 
greatly  moved  by  the  power  of  GOD. 

Lord's-day  28.  My  foul  was  expanded  and  filled 
with  love,  while  preaching  from  Ifaiah  lv.  i.  Mr. 
P — y  attended  at  the  church  to-day,  but  was  not 
invited  to  preach. 

Monday  29.  I  vifited  Second-river,  where  a  num- 
ber of  Low-Dutch  people  attended  the  word, 
which  was  delivered  with  a  bleffing.  J.  K.  one 
of  our  local  preachers,  has  been  made  ufeful  to 
the  inhabitants  of  this  neighbourhood. 

ThurfdaySept.  1  My  fyftem  gathers  ftrength  ; 
and  though  varioufly  and  forely  exercifed,  the 
X«ord  is  gracicufly  with  me,  bieihng  both  my  foul 

and 


(     *44     ) 

and  my  labours.  I  clearly  fee  that  I  muft  be  cut 
off  from  every  creature,  to  do  the  will  of  GOD 
with  an  undivided  heart.  May. the  Lord  fanctify 
me  wholly  for  himfelf,  and  every  moment  keep 
me  from  all  appearance  of  evil. 

Saturday  3.  Calm  ferenity  fat  on  my  mind, 
and  all  my  foul  was  fixed  on  GOD,  and  fweetly 
inclined  to  do  his  will  in  all  things.  In  the  af- 
ternoon I  felt  unwell,  but  met  the  leaders  and 
bands.  The  next  day,  though  my  body  was  very 
feeble,  I  went  through  my  public  duties. 

Monday  5.  I  vifited  Mrs.  D.  who  hardly  ef- 
caped  falling  into  ruin,  both  of  body  and  foul. 
She  opened  the  matter  to  me  and  found  deliver- 
ance. A  folemn  report  was  brought  to  the  city 
to  day,  that  the  men  of  v/ar  had  fired  on  Bojiotu 
A  fearrofe  in  my  mind,  of  what  might  be  the  e- 
vent  of  this.  But  it  was  foon  banimed  by  ccnfi- 
dering — I  muft  go  on  and  mind  my  own  bufi- 
nefs,  which  is  enough  for  me  *,  and  leave  all 
thofe  things  to  the  Providence  of  GOD. 

Tuefday  6.  I  rofe  very  early  this  morning  in 
great  peace,  and  determined  not  to  let  an  hour  of 
the  day  Hip  without  earned  prayer  to  GOD. 
Went  the  next  day  to  hear  Mr.  P — y  preach  at 
Flat-BuJJj.  He  fpoke  pretty  well,  though  very 
tenderly,  on  the  fall  and  recovery  of  man.  And 
the  report  of  his  great  abilities  exceeds  die  reality. 
We  returned  juft  time  enough  for  preaching:  I 
fpoke  with  great  liberty  from  2  Kings  v.  17, 
18,  iy.  but  afterwards  found  myfelf  very  un- 
well. 

Thurfday  8.  Am  both  grieved  and  afhamed, 
that  my  foul  is  not  more  fteadily  and  fervently 
devoted  to  GOD. 

"  And  ihall  I  ever  live 

"  At  this  poor  dying  rate  ? 

«  My 


.(     '45     ) 

e:  My  love  fo  faint,  fo  cold  to  thee, 
"  And  thine  to  me  fo  great  ?" 
No  :  I  will  both  labour  and  drive  to  be  more 
fwallowed  up  in  the  holy  will  of  GOD.     My  de- 
termination is  (trong  ;  may  divine  grace  make  it 
ilronger  and  ftronger  every  day  ! 

Friday  9.  My  foul  was  happy  in  GOD  :  yet  I 
felt  fome  grief  on  account  of  the  weaknefs  and 
deceit  of  a  few  who  profefs  religion. 

Saturday  10.  GOD  is  ilill  my  principal  ob- 
ject. Tidings  came  to-day,  of  fome  diflatisfaclion 

between  Mr. and  the  people  in  Philadelphia. 

'But  my  duty  is  before  me. — I  have  my  own  bu- 
-fmefs  to  mind. 

Lord's-day  11.    Dr. went   on   with    his 

trumpery    in    his  old  drain  ;  and  the  great  Mr. 
■P — y  had  crowds   to  hear    him   in   the   French 
church.     We  alio   Lad  a  crowded   audience  and 
folemn  time  in  the  evening.     A  young  woman 
;of  our  fociety,  who  was  feated  in  the  congrega- 
tion lad  LordVday,  is  now  a  corpfe.  How  fhort, 
how  precarious  is  life  !  and   yet  what  awful  and 
weighty  things  depend  upon  it:  On  Mondav  even- 
ing I  fpoke  on  the  occafion  from  Job  xix.  25,  26. 
We  have  lod  a  promifing  difciple  of  22  years  of 
•age ;  but  her  fledi  redeth  in  hope.    When  will  the 
Saviour  extend  the   arms  of  his  mercy  to  . 
•me  perfectly  and   eternally  free:     I  heard  the 
celebrated   Mr.  P — y  again  to-day.     He  infilled 
on  eternal  election — the  gift  of  the  Father  to  the 
*Son — the   renewal   of  the  little  flock  by  grace-; 
-and  the  Fathers  good   pleafure  ;  from  Luke  xii. 
32.     He  detained  us  two  hours;  and  had  many 
devoted  admirers.     He  fpoke  t©  the  tinners  with 
^great  words,  but  to  little  purpofe. 

Wednefday  14.    My   mind   is  in  gre3t  peace, 

^and  my  body  in  better  health.     And  though  my 

N  heart 


(     M6    ) 

heart  cleaveth  to  the  Lord,  yet  I  long-*— oh'!  I 
greatly  long  to  be  more  fwallowed  up  in  the  will 
of  GOD. 

Thurfday  15.  All  my  defire  is  unto  the  Lord, 
and  to  the  remembrance  of  his  name.  To  pleafe 
him  is  my  chief  delight ;  but  there  is  more  in 
view  for  which  I  pant : 

"  An  heart  in  every  thought  renew'd, 

"  And  fill'd  with  love  divine  : 

ec  Perfect,  and  right,  and  pure,  and  good  ; 

"A  copy,  Lord,  of  thine." 
Friday  16.  1  rofe  this  morning  dejected  in 
mind.  But  my  purpofes  to  be  wholly  given  up 
to  GOD,  are  ftronger  than  ever.  And  I  hope 
to  live  to  him,  in  a  more  devoted  manner  than 
heretofore.  Peace,  and  power,  and  love  filled 
my  foul,  while  fpeaking  at  night  from  Hofea  xii. 
Glory  be  given  to  GQD  I 

Saturday  17.  My  affections  are  raife.d,  from 
earth  and  all  its  objects.  My  treafure  is  above, 
and  there  alfo  is  my  heart.  In  meeting  the  bands, 
I  {hewed  them  the  impropriety  and  danger, of 
keeping  their  thoughts  or  fears  of  each  other,  to 
themfelves:  this  frustrates  the  defign  of  bands — 
produces  coolnefs  and  jealoufies  towards  each 
other — and  is  undoubtedly  the  policy  of  Satan. 

Lord's-day  18.  Lofing  fome .  of  my  ideas  in 
preaching,  I  was  afhamed  of  myfelf,  and  pained 
to  fee  the  people  waiting  to  hear  what  the  blun- 
derer had  to  fay.  May  thefe  things  humble  me, 
and  (hew  me  where  my  great  flrength  lieth  !  In 
meeting  the  fociety  I  urged  the  necefiity  of  more 
private  devotion,  and  of  properly  digesting  what 
they  hear.  Setoff  the  next  morning  for  iWw- 
Rochelle>  and  found  E.  D.  in  diftrefs  of  foul.  This 
is  an  agreeable  family,  and  the  children  are  both 
affectionate  and  obedient  to  their  parents.  I  hope 

{he 


(     147     ) 

fhe  and  the  reft  of  them  will  become  true  Chrifti- 
ans,  and  be  finally  bound  up  in  the  bundle  of  life. 
I  preached  from  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  and  many  ftrangers 
were  prefent.  Satan  is  frequently  affaulting  me 
with  his  temptations,  but  the  Lord  enables  me  to 
difcover  and  refill  his  firft  attacks. 

Tuefday  20.  Chrift  was  precious.  At  P.  B.'s  I 
fpoke  too  plainly  for  fome  who  were  prefent.  The 
next  evening  at  F.  D.'s  we  had  a  heart-affeclinj; 
time  ;  and  I  truft  it  will  not  be  forgotten  by  all. 

Thurfday  22.  The  Lord  has  graciouily  vifited 
E.  D.  and  turned  all  her  mourning  into  joy.  Her 
foul  is  happy  in  the  love  of  GOD.  May  the  Lord 
carry  on  his  work  of  grace  through  this  family, 
and  neighbourhood  ;  turning  all  their  hearts  unto 
himfelf.  The  power  of  GOD  was  prefent  in  the 
congregation  to-night,  while  I  took  my  leave  for 
a  feafon  from  Ifa.  Ixvi.  2. 

Friday  23.  I  fet  off  for  New-Tork,  and  met 
fome  of  my  good  friends  at  Kingjlridge.  They 
brought  me  a  letter  from  T.  R.  who  thought 
himfelf  injured  ;  but  I  am  determined  to  drop  all 
difpures  as  fir  as  polTible.  Mr.  P—y  is  going  on 
in  Tork  with  his  Antinomianifm  unmafked.  How 
prone  is  man  to  do  what  is  wrong  !  And  what 
watchfulnefs  and  diligence  are  neceflary  for  a 
man   to  be  right  both  in  fentiment  and  practice  ! 

Lord's-day  25.  According  to  the  particular 
requeft  of  lifter  G.  I  preached  her  funeral  fermon 
from  Ifaiah  xlix.  10.  She  had  been  brought  up 
a  Calvinift  \  but  when  fhe  found  peace  with 
GOD,  fhe  renounced  all  her  Calviniftic  prin- 
ciples, which  (lie  faidhad  been  a  check  to  her  in- 
riuftry  in  feeking  the  Lord.  In  the  time  of  her 
Vaft  ilhiefs,  fhe  manifefted  a  great  degree  of  pa- 
tience, and  cxpreffed  a  ftrcng  define  for  intire  pu- 
rity of  heart.  A  little  before  her  death,  fhe  was 
;  filled 


(     MS     ) 

ailed  with  perfect  love  ;  and  fecmed  to  want 
more  (Irength  and  language  to  praife  GOD. 
However,  fhe  did  it  to  the  uttermoft  cf  her 
power. 

Monday  26.  My  foul  is  fweetly  drawn  out. 
after  GOD,  and  fatisfied  with  him  as  afufficient 
portion.  But  Ch  !  how  I  long  to  be  more  fpi-- 
ritual. 

"  Come   and  poiTcfs  me  whole, 

"  Nor  hence  again  remove  ; 

"  Settle,  and  fix  my  wav'iing  foul,, 

«  With  A-LL  thy  weight  of  love." 

Thurfday  29.  W.  L.  gave  me  an  account  of 
the  manner  of  Mr.  ic.'s  treating  him,  becaufe 
he  would  not  go  to  Sheneflady.  But  my  mind  h> 
bent  on  loving  GOD,  and  doing  his  will  in  all 
things.  I  have  had  frequent  cails  of  late  to  vifit 
the  lick.  May  it  prove  a  blefling  both  to  them 
and  me!  My  heart  was  warm  while  addrefling 
the  congregation  this  evening,  and  I  hope  it  was* 
not  labour  loll.  At  2  o'clock  in  the  night,  we 
were  al!  alarmed  by  a  fire  which  burned  down  a 
hcufe  in  Peck-Slip.  What  a  refemblance  of  the 
general  judgment  I  But,  if  the  cry  of  fire  alarms 
us,  how  much  more  mall  we  be  alarmed  by  the 
archangeL's  trump  !  When  all  the  ungodly  {hail 
have  ten  thoufand  times  more  caufe  to  fear,  than 
the  lofs  of  houfes,  and  goods,  and  life  ;  how  will 
they  endure  the  cutting  anguifh  ?  But  they  are 
after  the  flefh  ;  therefore  they  mind  the  things  of- 
:he  flefh,  and  them  only. 

Lord's-day  Ocl.  2.  Though  I  have  lately  heard 
feveral  preachers  of  fome  fame.  I  am  fully  of  the 
opinion  that  there  is  room  enough  for  us  to  preach 
repentance,  faith,  and  all  the  work  of  GOD  on 
the  foul  of  man.  They  ahnoit  leave  this  field  en- 
tirely 


(     X49     ) 

tirely  our  own.  We  had  a  folemn  love-feaft  to- 
day :  though  fome  impofed  on  us  who  will  not 
meet  in  clafs. 

Monday  3.  My  foul  was  in  peace,  but  afTaulted 
by  Satan.  The  next  day  Mr.  P.  fent  for  me,  and 
requefted  permiffion  to  preach  in  our  houfe.  I 
told  him  that  as  he  had  refufed  it  at  firft,  our 
people  did  not  take  it  well. 

Wednefday  5.  Irofe  early  this  morning,  and 
found  my  foul  devoted  to  GOD.  But  it  troubles 
my  mind  that  I  am  not  more  fo.  Lord,  come  and 
fave  me  now,  with  al4  thy  great  and  glorious  fsl* 
vation  !  O,  haften  the  time  ! 

«•  Jefu,  fee  my  panting  breaft  ; 
"  See,  I  pant  in  thee  to  reft  ! 
"  Gladly  would  I  now  be  clean; 
«  Cleanfe  me  now  from  every  fin." 

Friday  7.  Mr.  P— v  had  appointed  to  preach 
in  our  houfe,  and  a  very  large  congregation  at- 
tended on  the  occafion.  He  fpoke  on  the  chafl" 
and  wheat  from  Matt.  hi.  1 2.  \  and  perhaps  felt 
himfelf  under  fome  obligation  to  come  as  near  to 
our  doctrine  as  his  principles  would  admit  of ; 
and  thereby  gave   tolerable  fatisfaction. 

Saturday  8.<  My  heart  was  enlarged  towards 
GOD.  I  faw  a  letter  from  Mr.  iV  filled  with 
his  ufual  foftnefs.  Poor  man !  he  feems  blind  to 
his  own  conduct.  We  had  a  very  happy  time  in 
meeting  the  bands  this  evening. 
:  LordVday  9.  The  Lord  aflifted  me  in  my 
public  exercifes  both  morning  and  night  •,  and 
going  to  church  to-day  as  ufual,  I  heard  a  ftranger 
preach  \  but  he  was  a  workman  that  needed  to 
be  aihamed.  Attended  Mr.  P— y,  on  Monday, 
and  found  him  very  afFeaionate.  The  elders  of 
N  2  the 


(     '5°     ) 

the  French  church  wept  over  hirr^  with  much 
tendernefs.  Several  friends,  with  myfelf,  con- 
cluded him  aciofs  the  river:  then,  after  finging 
a  parting  hymn,  he  prayed  very  feelingly,  and  we 
took  our  leave  of  each  other.  I  afterwards  went 
to  preach  in  the  fewamp,  where  we  had  many 
people  and  a  good  time. 

Tuefday  11.  Laft  night  my  foul  was  greatly 
troubled  for  want  of  a  clofer  walk  with  GOD. 
Lord,  how  long  (hall  I  mourn  and  pray,  and  not 
experience  all  that  my  foul  longeth  for  !  And  this 
clay  my  mind  is  in  nearly  the  fame  frame. 

Wednefday  12.  The  Lord  blefled  me  with 
great  peace.  L  M.  brought  a  letter  from  Nfiu- 
Ruhelle,  containing  an  agreeable  account  ci  the 
work  of  GOD  there.  With  much  enlargement 
of  heart,  I  preached  to-night  from  1  Kings  xix. 
11.;  and  hope  it  was  made   a  biefling  to  many 


Y 


re 


Cent. 


Thurfday  13.  My  foul  is  not  to  intenfely 
fraid  on  GOD  as  it  might  be.  O,  that  he  would 
bring  me  nearer  to  hirnfelf  •,  and  fo  transform 
me  into  his  divine  likenef&;  that  there  may  be  no 
iiiverfity  of  will 5  but  that  it  may  be  my  meat 
and  drink  to  promote  his  glory  from  moment  to 
moment  in  all  I  do  !  I  had  much  company  in  the 
courfe  of  this  day. 

Friday  14.  My  heart  was  much  devoted  to 
GOD.  But  having  been  here  now  four  months, 
preaching  or  exhorting  every  day,  and  .twice  on 
the  Lord's-day,  be  fides  fo.cietV  meetings  ;  it  feems 
to  be  too  much  for  both  the  people  and  the 
preacher.  We  have  now  move  unity  in  the  fo- 
ciety  here  than  we  have  had  for  fome  time  pail- 
13ut  we  want  more  of  the  life  and  power  of  reli- 


gion arnongit  us. 


Lord's-day 


(     15'     ) 

Lord's-day  16.  Yefterday  Satan  aflaulted  me 
powerfully  ;  but  the  Lord  was  my  keeper :  fo  that 
I  may  with  great  propriety  adopt  the  language  of 
the  poet, 

"  In  all  my  temptations  he  keeps  me  to  prove 
"  His  utmoft  falvation,  his  fulncfs  of  love."' 

This  day  the  Spirit  of  grace  aflifled  me  in  my 
public  exercifes.  Mr.  S.  T.  once  a  filverfmith 
of  this  city,  preached  a  good  fermon  at  church  \ 
though  his  voice  was  fo  low  that  he  could  fcarce 
be  heard. 

Monday  17.  Many  people  attended  preaching 
in  the  Swamp  j  and  my  foul  was  greatly  bleiTed  in 
the  difcharge  of  my  duty.  But  Oh  !  my  heart  is 
bowed  down  within  me  ;  and  1  feel  flrongly  de- 
termined to  be  more  watchful  and  diligent  in 
pleafing  GOD. 

Tuefday  18.  My  heart  was  much  taken  up 
with  GOD.  I  drank  tea  this  afternoon  with  an 
old  Moravian,  who  belonged  to  their  fraternity 
in  Fetter -lane,  at  the  time  when  Mr.  We/ley  was 
fo  intimate  with  them. 

Wednefday  19.  Capt.  TV.  informed  me  by 
letter,  the  houfe  in  Baltimore  was  fo  far  finiihed 
that  he  had  preached  in  it.  With  great  liberty 
and  fatisfaction,  I  both  met  clafs  and  preached  in 
the  evening  ;  and  feel  more  encouragement  to 
hope  for  the  people  here. 

Thurfday  20.  Notwithstanding  all  my  griev- 
ous temptations,  GOD  is  (till  the  object  of  my 
faith,  my  hope,  my  love,  my  joy.  O  that  he  may 
fill  me  always  with  filial  fear,  and  give  me  grace 
to  die  to  all  but  him  !  My  foul  abounds  with 
fweet  peace*,  and  an  exhortation  which  I  gave 

this 


(     '52     ) 

this  evening,  was  made  a  blefling,  I  truft,   to  fe- 
veral  that  heard  it. 

Friday  21.  A  folemn,  comfortable  fenfe  o£ 
GOD  retted  on  my  mind,  and  he  has  kept  me 
from  what  I  hate.  And  though  Satan  made 
fome  attempts  upon  my  foul,  yet  the  Lord 
gave  me  power  to  withitand  him.  The  next 
day  we  had  a  refreshing  time  in  band-meeting. 

Lord's-day  23.  Dr.  M.  from  D.  preached 
to-day  at  church  on  fellowfhip  with  GOD.  He 
fpoke  well  on  the  fubject,  as  far  as  it  relates  tc* 
the  fruits  and  effects  of  the  Spirit ;  but  was  de- 
ficient in  refpect  to  the  witnefs,  fuppofing  that: 
fome  may  be  in  favour  with  GOD,  and  not 
know  it.  Our  carnal  hearts  are  too  prone  to 
draw  deftrudtive  conclufions  from  fuch  a  doc- 
trine as  this.  Dr.  O.  as  ufual,  made  a  mighty- 
clutter  in  the  pulpit  about  Ncah\  ark.  Our  con» 
gregation  was  large,  and  we  were  not  left  with- 
out a  blefling. 

Monday  24.  I  (till  look  to  Jefus,  the  author 
and  finifher  of  my  faith,  and  truft  in  him  for 
jfupplies  of  firength  and  confolation.  But  oh! 
when  (hall  my  attention  be  fo  fixed,  that  nothing 
may  divert  it  a  fmgle  moment  from  its  beloved 
object  !  We  are  informed  that  three  of  our 
preachers  are  coming  over  from  England,  and. 
that  we  may  look  for  them  every  day. 
"  Tuefday  25.  This  morning  my  fpirit  wreftled 
with  principalities  and  powers;,  but  in  the  duty 
of  prayer  the  Lord  delivered  me.  After  preach- 
ing at  night  from  Matt.  xxiv.  12.  a  man  from 
Morr'ijloivn  came  to  me,  to  enquire  into  my 
principles;  and  told  me  the  Lord  was  bringing 
fouls  to  himfelf  in  his  neighbourhood,  and  that 
'more  than  ico  were  converted  there. 

•   '  Wednefday 


C    1*3     ) 

Wednefday  26.  My  foul  is  in  peace,  but 
Jlongs.  to  be  more  fpiritual.  After  meeting  a  clafs 
^  and  preaching  in  the  evening,  1  found  myfelf 
...  indifpofed  with  a  cold  and  fever.     The  next  day 

my   diforder  continued,    attended    with    a    fore 

throat,  fo  that  it  was  with  difficulty  and  pain  I 

fpoke  to  the  people, 

Friday  28.     I  do  not  fLuTiciently   love    GOD> 

nor  live  by  faith  in  the  fuburbs  of  heaven.     This. 

gives  me  more  concern  than  the  want  of  health,. 

"  Tis  worfe  than  death,  my  QOD  to  love, 
"  And  not  my  GOD  alone.'* 

I  was  not  able  to  preach,  and  obliged  to  go  to 
bed  early ;  but  could  not  ileep.  On  Saturday, 
as  my  diforder  continued,  I  felt  a  ilrong  defire 
for  more  patience.  Mr.  J.  his  wife,  and  daugh- 
ter are  all  very  ill ;  brought  on  chiefly  through 
fatigue. 

Lord's-day  30.  I  kept  clofe  houfe  till  even- 
ing. And  oh  !  what  happinefs  did  my  foul  eil<r- 
joy  with  GOD  !  So  open  and  delightful  was 
the  intercourfe  between  GOD  and  my  foul,  that 
it  gave  me  grief  if  any  perfon  came  into  my 
room,  to  difturb  my  fvveet  communion  with  the 
bleiTed  Father  and  the  Son.  When  my  work  is 
done,  may  I  enter  into  that  fulnefs  of  joy  which 
fhall  never  be  interrupted,  in  the  biifsful  realms 
above  I  In  the  evening  I  ventured  to  preach 
from  1  Cor.  i.  21.5  and  fpoke  with  great  free- 
dom and  plainneiV,  and  felt  better  afterwards 
than  could  have  been  expected.  Found  myfelf 
fomething  better  on  Monday,,  and  met  two 
claries. 

Tuefday  November  r.    My  foul  was  in  a  live- 
ly frame,  and  fweetly  inclined  to  live  to  GOD, 
and  to  do  all  his  holy  will.    Many  people  appear- 
ed 


(     154     ) 

ed  to  feel  the  word,  while  I  preachedin  the  even- 
ing from  Luke  viii.  18. 

Wednefday  2.  My  friends  in  this  city  con- 
cluded to  write  to  Mr.  R.  requefling  that  I 
might  continue  f6me  time  longer  in  New-Vork 
and  the  country  adjacent,  fuppofing  it  would  en- 
danger my  life  to  go  into  the  low  countries. 
But  to  flay  or  go ;  I  fubmit  to  Providence.  As 
my  legs,.,  hands,  and  feet  were  fwollen,  it  was 
thought  proper  to  confult  a  phyfician,.  who  fenc 
me  a  certain  mixture  of  bitters. 

Thurfday  3.  My  mind  was  much  taken  up 
with  GOD;  but!  mull  lament  that  I  am  not 
perfectly  crucified  with  Chrift.  I  vifited  Mr.  J. 
who  appeared  to  be  near  death ;  and  am  ready 
to  fay,  Art  thou  he?  O  how  changed!  The 
next  morning  about  8  o'clock  he  died,  being 
about  42  years  of  age,  leaving  a  wife  and  fix 
children  behind  him.  At  prefent  a  fpirit  of  har- 
mony fubfifteth  amongft  our  leaders ;  but  I  want 
to  fee  them  alfo  deeply  engaged  to  take  the  king- 
dom Cf  hcr/l'Il  by  violence 

Lord's-day  6.  Loth  my  body  and  mind  were 
afflicted  to-day.  In  the  morning  I  fhewed  the 
congregation  the  danger  of  fettling  on  their  lees  5 
as  all  do  who  rell  in  dead  formality ;  or  truft  in 
any  pad  experience.  In  the  evening,  I  addrefT- 
ed  the  people  on  the  heart-felt  inquiry  of  the 
trembling  jailer,    What  mujl  I  do  to  be  faved  ? 

Monday  7.  My  body  was  weak,  and  my  mind 
was  much  tempted.  Lord,  fupport  and  comfort 
me  under  every  trial  !  I  met  the  clafs  of  Mr.  J. 
deceafed  ;  found  much  love  amongft  them  ;  and 
by  general  confent,  appointed  iL  S.  to  a<ft  as 
their  leader.  I  found  much  fatisfattion  in  preach- 
ing the  next  evening  ;  but  had  fore  conflicts  with 
Satan  in  the  courfe  of  the  day. 

Wednefday 


(     '55     ) 

Wednefday  9.     My  foul  is  firengthened  with 
jimight,  and  filled  with  peace.     But  I  fee  the  pro- 
priety and  great  neceffity  of  living  every  moment 
J  more  and  more  to  GOD.  We  are  informed  from 
Philadelphia,   that    it    is    eight    weeks    fmce   the 
preachers  failed  from  England  ;  though  they  arc 
not  yet  arrived. 

Friday  -  1.  My  heart  is  grieved  and  groaneth 
ffor  want  of  more  holinefs.  A  letter  from  E.  D. 
at  Neiv-Rochelle,  informs  me  of  a  gay  young  wo- 
man, and  one  or  two  more  who  are  turning  to 
GOD  through  Chrift  Jefus.  They  call  aloud  for 
preachers  to  come  amongft  them.  On  Saturday 
we  had  a  blefied  time  in  band-meeting  ;  though 
my  mind  had  been  fomewhat  depreffed  by  find- 
ing one  or  two  of  my  beft  friends  drawn  into  a 
.  meafure  of  party- fpirit. 

Lord's-day  13.  Dr.  E.  at  St.  Paul's,  was  on 
'his  old  tedious  fubje£r.  of  the  Lord's  fupper.  He 
cannot  be  at  any  great  lofs,  in  faying  the  fame 
thing  over  and  over  again  fo  frequently.  Many 
people  attended  at  our  church  in  the  morning  ; 
and  in  the  evening  there  were  about  a  thoufand 
who  ferioufly  liflened,  while  I  preached  from 
JPfalm  i.  12. 

Monday  14.  I  fet  off  for  Neiv-Rochelle  ;  but 
by  the  difagreeable  gait  of  the  horfe,  was  exceed- 
ingly weaned  at  my  arrival  :  neverthelefs,  I  gave 
an  exhortation  to  fome  ferious  people  who  were 
collected  there.  The  next  day  my  mind  was 
troubled  by  turning  on  political  fubjecls,  which 
are  out  of  my  province.  Alas  !  what  a  fmall 
.matter  may  interrupt  our  communion  with  GOD; 
and  even  draw  away  our  affections  from  him. 
Though  we  had  a  profitable  time,  while  I  preach- 
ed from  Pfolm  i.  2. 

Wednesday 


Wednefday  1 6.  I  went  to  P.  B.'s,  where  we 
iiad  many  people  and  fome  power.  There  is  a 
very  perceivable  alteration  in  the  people  of  thefe 
parts — They  both  hear  and  underftand,  in  fome 
meafure,  the  things  of  GOD  ;  and  can  feel  his 
awful  truths.  I  had  fome  converfation  with  a 
certain  Mr.  B.  a  fenfibte  man,  though  he  is  taint- 
ed with  the  indolent  fpirit  of  J$>jtakerifm. 

Thurfday  17.  All  my  dcfir.e  was  after  GOD, 
and  him  alone  :  though  my  fpirit  was  grieved  by 
fome  involuntary  thoughts  which  crowded  in  up- 
on me.  But  in  the  midfl  of  all,  there  was  a 
calm  and  fettled  peace. 

Friday  18.  Unguarded  and  trifling  converfa- 
tion has  brought  on  a  degree  of  Tpirituai  deadnefs. 
But  by  the  grace  of  GOD,  I  will  roufe  myfelf, 
and  endeavour  to  be  more  watchful  and  fpiritual 
in  all  my  ways ;  and  in  all  things  pleafe  him 
whom  my  foul  loveth  far  above  every  other  ob- 
je(ft. 

Saturday  19.  I  fet  off  with  an  intention  to 
go  to  Tork,  but  at  the  bridge  was  informed  that 
Mr.  D — r  had  come  to  the  city.  Therefore  I 
returned  to  Mr.  B.'s  ;  and  preached  twice  there 
the  next  day,  as  alfo  once  at  Mr.  D.'s  :  and  am 
perfuaded  that  the  power  of  GOD  attended  the 
word  at  both  places.  We  have  here  a  fmall  clafs 
of  about  thirteen  perfons,  mofl  of  whom  enjoy 
peace  and  confolation  in  Chrift  Jefus.  I  met 
them  on  Monday,  and  we  were  greatly  comfort- 
ed together. 

Thurfday  24.  My  heart  is  weaned  from  vi- 
fibie  objecls  ;  and  by  grace,  raifed  to  its  beft-be- 
loved  above.  But  oh  !  I  greatly  long  for  more 
Tolid,  lading  union — to  be  inwardly  adorned  with 
all  the  virtues  and  graces  of  evangelical  religion. 
We  were  this  day  informed  of  the  death  of  Mr. 

O. 


(     '57    ) 

O.  May  the  Lord  help  me  to  be  faithful,  left  I 
fhould  not  live  out  half  my  days.  I  fet  off  thfc 
next  day  for  Neiv~York>  and  met  brother  5.  at 
Kings-bridge.  When  we  got  within  about  ten 
.miles  of  Tork,  we  found  that  about  fifteen  mi- 
nutes before,  a  man  had  been  robbed  of  his  mo- 
ney and  his  coat  from  off  his  bach.  One  of  the 
rogues  purfued  us,  but  we  were  too  far  before 
him.  We  reached  our  church  jufl  as  Mr.  D. 
began  to  preach. 

Monday  28.     After   taking    my   leave  of  my 
good  friends  in  York  the  lafl  evening,  from  Phil. 
i.  27.  Captain  W.  and  myfelf  fet  off'  this  morning 
for  Amboy.     We    met  with  a    perfon  who  came 
a  paffenger  with  us  from  England,  in  the  charac- 
ter of  a  gentleman,   by   the  name  of  JVilfon,   but 
now  he  calls  himfelf  Clark/on  %  and  fince  then  he 
has  called  hi mfelf  LavingJIon.     He  has  been  ap- 
prehended for  palling  a  counterfeit  bill,  for  which 
he  was  both  impriibned  and  whipped.     When  he 
faw   me,  he  knew  me  and  I  knew  him  :  but  he 
was  in  fuch  perplexity  that  he  could  eat  no  break- 
faft,  and  went  off  ip  the    firft  waggon   he  could 
meet  with.     To  what  fears  and  anxiety  are  poor 
finners  expofed  !   And  if  the  prcfence  of  a  mortal 
man  can  itrike  fuch  terror  into  the  minds  of  guil- 
ty finners,  what  mult  they  feel  when  they  (land, 
without  a  covering,   before  a  heart-fearching  and 
righteous  GOD  ?  On  Tuefday  we  arrived  at  Bur- 
JingtoriyVcry  weary  ;  and  were   faluted   with  the 
melancholy  news,  that  two  unhappy  men  were  to 
be  hung  on  the  Monday   following  ;  one  for  bef- 
tiality,  and   the    other  for  abufmg  feveral  young 
girls  in  a  moil  brutim  and  mocking  manner.     A- 
las,  for  the  dignity  of  human  nature  !   The  next 
day  I  vifited  them;  and  found  one  of  them,  who 
was  \&apjftj  z  little  attentive  ;  but  hs  wanted  to 
O  know 


(   is*  ) 

know  if  he  might  not  truft  for  pardon  after 
death.  The  other  was  a  young  man  who  ap- 
peared to  be  quite  ftupid.  Both  Captain  W.  and 
I  fpoke  freely  ami  largely  to  them  ;  though  there 
was  very  little  room  to  hope  fhat<we  mould  do 
them  any  good.  Here  Mrs.  //.  gave  an  account 
of  the  triumphant  death  of  her  fitter,  whofe  heart 
the  Lord  touched  about  two  years  ago  under  my 
preaching.  In  preaching  this  evening,  I  fhewed 
the  people  the  emptinefs  of  mere  externals  in  re- 
ligion ;  and  the  abfolute  neceflity  of  the  inward 
power  and  graces  thereof. 

Friday  November  2.  My  foul  enjoys  great 
peace  ;  but  longs  for  more  of  GOD.  We  vifited 
the  prifoners  again  \  and  Captain  IV,  enforced 
fome  very  alarming  truths  upon  them,  though 
very  little  fruit  of  his  labour  could  be  feen.  Mr, 
R.  came  to  Burlington  to  day,  and  defired  me  to 
go  to  Philadelphia.  So  after  preaching  in  the 
e/ening  from  Prov.  xxviii.  13.  I  fet  off  the  next 
morning  for  the  city  ;  and  .found  the  fociety  in 
the  fpint  of  love. 

Lord's-day  4.  I  preached  twice  with  fome 
freedom  ;  and  went  to  hear  Mr.  S.  but  it  was 
the  fame  thing  over  again.  The  next  day  my  mind 
was  in  a  fweet,  calm  frame,  and  I  felt  a  ftrong 
determination  to  devote  myfelf  wholly  to  GOD 
and  his  fervice.  I  fpoke  my  mind  to  Mr.  R. 
but  we  did  net  agree  in  judgment.  And  it  ap- 
peared to  me,  that  to  make  any  attempt  to  go  to 
Baltimore  would  be  all  in  .vain. 

Tuefday  6.  Vjfi ted  fome  of  my  friends  in  the" 
city  ;  and  wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  IVeJlc^  which  I 
read  to  Mr.  R.  that  he  might  fee  1  intended  no 
guile  or  fecret  dealings.  It  .is  fomewhat  grievous 
that  he  mould  prevent  my  going  to  Baltimore^  af- 
ter being  acquainted  with  my  engagements,   and 

the 


(     *59     ) 

the  importunities  cf  my  friends  there.  However, 
ail  things  (hall  work  together  for  good  to  them 
that  love  GOD — The  next  day  Mr.  iJ.  appeared 
to  be  very  kind  ;  fo  I  hope  all  things  will  give 
place  to  love. 

Lord's-day  n.  Mr.  R.  preached  a  clofe  fer- 
mon,  on  the  neglect  of  public  worfhip.  At 
church  Mr.  S.  had  the  fatoe  thing  over  again  : 
but  the  power  of  the  Lord  attended  our  preach- 
ing in  the  evening,   from  2  Theft  i.   7,  8. 

Tuefday  13.  Yeiterday  my  heart  was  fervent- 
ly engaged  in  acls  of  devotion  ;  and,  with  fome 
enlargement  of  heart,  1  gave  an  exhortation  at  a 
private  houfe  near  my  lodging.  But  to-day,  my 
cry  is,  O  for  more  fpirituality  ! — more  purity  of 
heart  !  Lord,  form  me  by  the  power  of  divine 
grace,  according  to  all  thy  righteous  will,  that  my 
foul  may  enjoy  thee  in  glory  forever.  Though, 
concurring  circumftances  required  me  to  fpeak 
this  evening,  in  a  manner  unprepared,  yet  we 
were  blefled  with  a  comfortable  feafon. 

"Wednefday  14.  Mr.  R.  was  hck, and  Captain 
W.  was  bufy,  fo  I  fpent  my  time  in  ftudy  and 
devotion  ;  and  enjoyed  a  blefled  fenfe  of  the  di- 
vine prefence.  But  what  need  can  there  be  for 
two  preachers  here,  to  preach  three  times  a  week 
to  about  fixty  people  ?  On  Thurfday  night  about 
fixty  perfons  attended  to  hear  Captain  W.  preach. 
This  is  indeed  a  very  gloomy  profpecl.  But  my 
heart  delighteth  in  GOD.  He  is  the  object  of 
n-.y  hope  ;  and  I  truft  he  will  be  my  portion  for 
ever. 

Lord's-day  i3.  My  foul  was  happy  white 
preaching  in  the  morning.  Mr.  S.  gave  us  an 
old  piece  at  church  j  and  Mr.  R.  was  very  furi- 
ous in  the  evening, 

Monday 


(     i<So     ) 

Monday  19.  My  body  was  indifpofed,  but 
my  foul  enjoyed  health.  The  Lord  gives  me 
patience,  and  fills  me  with  his  goodnefs.  In 
meeting  filler  27s  clafs,  we  had  a  mutual  blef- 
6ng. 


"  O  that  I  could  all  invite, 

"  His  faving  truth  to  prove  ! 

"  Shew  the  length,  and  breadth,  and  height,.. 

"  And  depth  of  Jefu's  love." 

Wednefday  21.  I  began  to  read  Neat's  hifto- 
ry  of  the  Puritans.  The  Lord  keeps  me  from 
all  impure  defire,  and  makes  me  to  abound  with 
divine  peace.  In  prayer-meeting  this  evening, 
ail  prefent  were  greatly  bleft. 

Friday  23.  Mr.  Neal  in  his  hiftory  is  tolera- 
bly impartial  •,  though  he  feems  rather  inclined 
to  favour  the  Non-conformijls..  But  how  ftrange  ! 
that  the  refornv-ition  mould  be  carried  on  in  fuch 
a  reign  as  that  of  Henry  Vlllth,  and  in  the  time 
of  Edward  Vlth,  while  he  was  but  a  child.  The 
good  biihops,  no  doubt,  carried  the  matter  as  far 
as  they  could  \  but  it  was  not  in  their  power  to 
difentangle  themfelves  and  the  nation  from,  all 
the  fuperflition  of  Popery.  But  queen  Elizabeth 
and  her  friends  bore  hard  for  the  fupremacy.  It 
feems  the  difpute  began  at  Franckfcrt ;  and  Cal- 
vin was  in  the  confutation — In  the  evening  I 
preached  from  thefe  words,  Neither  give  place  to 
the  devil  :  and  believe  it  was  good  for  fome  that 
they  were  prefent.  Took  my  lodging  the  next 
day  at  Mr.  JT.'s. 

The  next  day,  as  the  fnow  was  near  two  feet 
deep,  I  did  not  go  out,  but  had  a  comfortable 
time  at  home. 

Thurfday 


C    «*i     ) 

Thuvfday  29.  My  foul  is  happy  in  the  love 
of  GOD.  He  gives  me  grace  to  die  daily  to  the 
world,  and  all  the  defires  of  the  flefh.  Dr.  S, 
delivered  a  good  difcourfe  from  Ifatafa  xxvi.  20, 
21.  on  the  folemn  occafion  of  a  fail  and  prepa- 
ration for  the  Lord's  fupper.  1  fpoke  at  night 
from  John  i.    12,  13* 

Monday  January  2.  I  fee  the  great  neceflity 
of  always  beginning  to  glorify  GOD,  with  frefh 
vigour  of  foul.  So  prone  is  man  to  grow  languid 
in  devout  exercifes,  that  without  frelh  and  power- 
ful exertions  he  will  foon  fink  into  dead  formali- 
ty. At  Mr.  I?.'s,  where  we  dined  to-day,  I  was 
much  grieved  at  the  manner  of  Mr.  R.'s  conver- 
fation.  But  let  k  be  a  caution  to  me  to  be  pru- 
dent and  watchful.  The  next  day  my  foul  was 
greatly  alive  to  GOD.  And  the  people  here  are 
fo  kind  to  me,  that  it  fills  me  with  aflonifhment 
and  gratitude. 

Thuffday  5.  For  feveral  days  my  throat  has 
been  much  difordered,  but  it  is  now  fomethin- 
better.  Glory  to  GOD  !  he  fweetly  drasvs  my 
heart  into  clofe  and  comfortable  communion  with 
himfelf.  In  reading  the  hi  (lory  of  the  Puritans, 
I  am  furprifed  at  the  conduct  of  archbilhop  Laud, 
A  monfter  of  a  man  indeed  ! 

Friday  6.  Find  rnyfelf  free,  through  grace, 
from  all  impure  affections  ;  but  lam  troubled  on 
account  of  my  difpofition  to  trifle  in  converfation. 
Yet  it  is  the  will  of  GOD  to  fave  me  from  this 
alio.  May  the  happy  hour  fpeedily  arrive,  when 
I  (hall  be  altogether  fuch  as  my  Lord  would  have 
me  to  be  ! 

Saturday  7.     I    had    fome    converfation   with 

that  pious,  good  woman,  the  widow  of  G.  T — t. 

She  greatly  lamented  the  condition    of  her    fon, 

who  was  ia  the  Jerfey  college  ;  a  youth  of  about 

O  2-  fcventeca- 


(     «*     ) 

feventeen  years  of  age,  but  under  no  deep  im- 
prefficns  for  the  falvation  of  his  foul.  How  grie- 
vous muft  this  be  to  a  pious  parent !  While  car- 
nal parents  regaid  only  the  worldly  profperity  of 
their  children  ;  truly  religious  parents  are  chiefly 
concerned  about  the  eternal  falvation  of  their 
fouls.  I  was  informed  to-day  that  poor  A.  W, 
is  living  with  his  wife,  and  appears  to  be  induf- 
triouily  inclined. 

Lord's-day  8.  The  Lord  was  pleafed  to  blefs- 
ray  foul  with  that  peace  which  paffes  underftand- 
ing.  A  letter  from  my  friend  W.  L.  informed 
roe  that  three  of  my  friends  were  coming  to  con- 
duct me,  if  poflible,  to  Baltimore.  But  it  is  a 
doubt  with  me  if  i  (hall,  with  confent,  be  per- 
mitted to  go.  May  the  Lord  give  me  wifdom, 
patience,  and  faith,  that  in  all  cafes  I  may  know 
how  to  act  or  fuffer  according  to  Ins  will  and  my 
duty  ! 

Thurfday  12.  The  conduct  of  Mr. is  fuch 

as  calls  for  patience.  He  has  reported  that  I  was 
the  caufe  of  A.  W.\  becoming  a  preacher. 
Whereas  when  he  was  appointed,  it  was  by  the 
conference.  And  the  time  when  I  wanted  him 
to  travel,  was  a  year  before  his  appointment, 
when  his  heart  was  right  with  GOD.  More- 
over, at  the  laft  conference  I  was  doubtful  of 
Lim,  and  fo  exprefled  myfelf  both  by  word  and 
letter. 

Friday  13.  As  my  throat  was  worfe,  I  ftaid- 
it  home  and  took  phyfic.  Part  of  my  time  Mas 
fpent  in  reading  the  hiftory  of  the  Puritans  ;  and 
I  found  my  affections  pure,  and  fixed  on  their 
proper  object  :  though  Satan  did  not  fail  to  af- 
fault  me  with  many  temptations. 

Lord's-day  15.  I  vifited  the  Quaker  meeting ; 
but  wondered  to  fee  fo  many  feiriibk  men  fit  to 

hear 


(     i«3     ) 

hear  two  or  three  old  women  talk.  In  the  latter 
part  of  the  day  I  was  much  indifpofed  and  kept 
at  home.  But  the  next  morning  I  found  myfelf 
fomething  better  j  and  earnellly  longed  for  purity 
of  heart,  and  perfect  refig nation  to  all  the  will  of 
GOD. 

Wednefday  i  8.  In  the  night  my  throat  was 
fead,  attended  with  a  fmart  fever.  My  mind  is 
varioufly  exercifed  at  different  times.  Sometimes 
thinking  that  my  affliction  is  judicial  •,  other 
times  thinking  that  natural  caufcs  produce  natu- 
ral effects.  But,  bleffed  Jefus,  1  mutt  be  ftil.  and 
know  that  thou  art  GOD.  From  this  time  till 
Lord's-day  23d  I  had  a  putrid  fore  throat,  and 
two  perfons  fat  up  with  me  every  night  ;  but  I 
found  relief  from  purges,  and  a  mixture  of  nitre 

and  fever  powder.     Mr. keeps  driving  a- 

way  at  the  people,  telling  them  how  bad  they  are, 
with  the  wonders  which  he  has  done  and  intends 
to  do.  It  is  furprifing  that  the  people  are  not  out 
of  patience  with  him.  If  thev  did  not  like  his 
friends  better  than  him,  we  fhould  foon  be  wel- 
come to  take  a  final  leave  of  them. 

From  the  23d  of  January  till  the  firit  of  Febru- 
ary, my  affliction  was  fo  fevere  that  I  was  not 
able  to  write.  There  were  feveral  fmall  ulcers 
on  the  infide  of  my  throat;  and  the  pain  of  the 
gatherings  was  fo  fevere,  that  for  two  weeks  I 
could  not  reft  of  nights.  My  friends  were  very 
kind,  and  expecting  my  death,  they  affect  ion  ate  \y 
lamented  over  me.  But  on  the  29th  of  January 
I  was  happily  relieved  by  the  difcharge  of  near 
a  pint  of  white  matter.  For  a  while  my  mind 
was  in  great  heavinefs  ;  but  after  fome  fevere  con- 
flicts with  the  powers  of  darknefs  ;  I  was  calmly 
refigned  to  the  will  of  a  wife  and  gracious  GOD. 
O  Lord  !  how  wonderful  are  thy  works  !  It  is  my 

defire 


(     &4     ) 

defire  to  know  the  caufe  of  this  ami-ilion  ;  that; 
if  it  is  in  my  power,  I  may  remove  it.  Is  it  that 
I  may  know  more  of  m-yfelf  and  lie  in  the  duft  ? 
Or,  for  my  pad  unfaithfulnefs  I  But  whatever  may 
be  the  caufe,  1  humbly  hope  that  all  thofe  painful 
difpenfations  will  work  together  for  my  good.  Ia> 
the  courfeof  this  affliction  I  found  that  when  my 
fpirit  was  broken,  and  brought  to  fubrnit  with 
cheerfulnefs  to  the  will  of  GOD,  then  the  diforder- 
abated,  and  I  began,  to  recover  \,  though  Satan 
was  very  bufy,  and  like  Job's  impious  wife,  fug-: 
gefied  to  my  mind,  that  I  fhould  -curfe  GOD  and- 
die  ;  neverthelefs,  through  grace,  I  am  more  than 
conqueror,  and  can  give  glory  to  GOD.  -  The 
gargle  which  1  ufed  firft,  to  fcatter,  if  poffible,: 
the  inflammation,  was fage  tea,honey,  vinegar,  and 
muftard  ^  then  that  which  was  ufed  to  accelerate- 
the  gathering,  was  mallows  with  a  fig  cut  in  pieces  :- 
and  laftly,  to  iirengthen  the  part,  we  ufed  a  gar- 
gle of  fage  tea,  allum,  rofe  leaves,  and  loaf  fugar.- 
On  Monday  the  30th  fome  letters  came  front 
Baltimore^  earneilly  prefiing  me  to  go.  And  Mr. 
R.  was  fo  kind  as  to  vifit  me;  when  all  was- 
fweetnefs  and  love,   - 

Wednesday  February  1.    I  am  once  more  able- 
to  write,,  and  feel  a  folemn,  grateful  fenfe  of  GOD's 
goodnefs  refling  on  my  foul.     My  all  of  body,, 
foul,  and  time,  are  his  due  j  and  fhould  be  devoted, 
without  the  lead  referve,  -  to  his  fervice  and  glo- 
ry.    O,  that  he  may  give  me  grace  fufficient ! 

Thurfday.  I  am  {till  getting  better,,  but  not- 
able to  fpeak  in  public  y  though  the  word  of  the 
Lord  is  like  fire  within  me,  and  I  am  aim  aft  weary . 
of  forbearing.  The  next  day  my  mind  was-tnuch- 
taken  up  with  GOD,  and  feveral  of  my  friends- 
who  were  fo  kind  as  to  vifit  me,  were  melted  m- 
couverfaticn  and  prayer, 

Saturday-, 


(     i«5    ) 

Saturday  4.  My  mind  was  filled  with  pure, 
evangelical  peace.  I  had  fome  converfation  with 
Capt.  W.  an  Ifraelite  indeed,  and  we  both  con- 
cluded that  it  was  my  duty  to  go  to  Baltimore. 
And  I  feel  willing  to  go,  if  it  is  even  to  die 
there  *,  but,  at  prefent,  am  not  permitted.  I  was 
confined  to  the  houfe  all  the  next  day;  but  oh  ! 
how  painful  are  thefe  dumb  labbaths  to  me ! 
However  it  is  my  duty  to  fubmit  to  the  Provi- 
dence of  a  wife  GOD. 

Monday  6.  My  body  is  but  weak,  and  my 
mind  is  fomewhat  diftrefted,  left  I  (hould  be  too 
much  concerned  about  the  ark  of  the  Lord  ;  and 
wifh  to  take  the  caufe  out  of  his  hand.  How 
frail  a  creature  is  man  !  Ho*w  little  can  he  pene- 
trate into  the  defigns  and  works  of  GOD  ! 

Tuefday  7.  Mr.  T — r  took  me  in  a  chaife  to 
dine  with' Mr.  R — //and  Mr.  R — a.  My  mind 
is  fomewhat  troubled  with  temptations,  but  ftill 
I  have  peace.  I  am  weak  in  body,  and  want 
more  patience  and  refignation  to  fubmit  to  the 
will  of  GOD,  till  he  is  pleated  to  reftore  me. 
What  is  life  ?  Lord,  help  me  to  be  always  ready 
to  end  it  here  ! 

Wednefday  8.  From  the  (late  of  my  body 
to-day,  I  feel  great  expectation  of  being  rcftored 
to  health.  But  oh !  how  my  foul  longeth  for 
more  fpiritual  health  !  This  clay  I  wrote  to  Mr. 
R.  at  Baltimore,  to  come  for  me. 

Thurfday  9.  My  body  continues  to  recover. 
But  I  difcover  many  weakneffes  and  failures  in 
my  inner  man.  When  fhall  ray  foul  be  adorned 
as  a  bride  for  her  bridegroom  ?  When  fhall  all 
within  and  all  without  be  holinefs  to  the  Lord  ? 
Notwithstanding  my  illnefs,  I  have  read  Neat's 
Hiftory  of  the  Puritans,  confiding  of  four  vo- 
lumes, in  about  two  months. 

Friday 


(     i«     ) 

Friday  io.  How  great  a  blefling  is  health  ! 
Though  of  late  it  is  but  feldom  enjoyed  by  me. 
But  through  mercy  my  body  now  feels  like  being 
reftored ;  and  I  am  afraid  of  being,  thereby  too 
much  elated.  The  Lord  fhews  me  the  excellen- 
cy of  affliction,  and  enables  me  to  exercife  re- 
agnation  in  all  conditions  of  life.  I  am  now 
reading  MvJJjeims  eeclcfiaftical  hifloryj  but  as  a 
.writer  he  is  too  dry  and  fpeculaiive. 

Tuefday  14.  My  heart  pants  to  labour  for 
GOD — to  be  once  more  employed  in  building 
up  his  fpiritual  houfe.  O,  that  he  may  ftrength- 
en  me,  fet  me  to  work,  and  greatly  blefs  my 
poor  endeavours  !  Preaching  the  glorious  gof~ 
pel -Teems  to  be  ny  proper  employment-,  and 
when  I  am  long  detained  from  it,  I  appear  to  be 
out  of  my  element.  But  hope,  a  biefled  hope 
revives,  that  before  long  I  (hall  be  of  fome  fer- 
vice  in  the  church  of  Chrift. 

Thurfday  i<5.  My  mind  has  been  kept  in 
great  peace :  but  I  am  fomewhat  troubled  on  ac- 
count of  my  defects  in  ufefulnefs  and  fpirituali- 
ty.  May  the  Lord  make  me  more  ferious  and 
more  fpiritual  in  all  my  internal  and  external 
actions.  And  though  my  mind  was  much  taken 
up  with  GOD  on  Friday,  yet  I  was  too  free  in 
converfation.  My  earned  defire  is,  to  have  full 
power  over  every  thought,  word,  and  action. 
I  now  ventured  to  preach  from  Pialm  exxvi.  3. 
The  Lord  hath  dene  great  things  for  ns,  whereof 
ive  are  glad.  R,  S.  wrote  me  a  letter  with  his 
ufual  kindnefs;  and  informed  me  that  Mr.  D* 
concurred  in  fentiment  relative  to  my  ■  going  to 
Baltimore.  And  it  is  thought  by  many,  tha£ 
there  will  be  an  alteration  in  the  affairs  of  our 
church-government. 

Lord's- day 


(     i<57     ) 

Lord's-day  19.     Mr.  R.  preached  his  farewell 
fermon  from  Dcut.  xxx.  19.     He  has  now  been, 
'here  ten  months. 

Monday  20.  Mo  ft  of  this  day  was  fpent  in 
private  devotion  and  reading.  I  am  full  of  hum- 
ble expectation  that  the  Lord  will  reftore  me  to 
better  health  and  greater  ufefulnefs.  May  my 
eye  be  fingle,  aiming  at  nothing  but  the  glory  of 
4  GOD,  that  my  whole  body  may  be  full  of  light. 

Wednefday  23.  I  received  a  letter  from  Mifs 
G.  at  Antigua  :  in  which  (lie  informed  me,  that 
Mr.  G'.  was  going  away ;  and  as  there  are  about 
300  members  in  fociety,  (he  intreats  me  to  go 
and  labour  amongit  them.  And  as  Mr.  Wejlej 
has  given  his  confent,  I  feel  inclined  to  go,  and 
lake  one  of  the  young  men  with  me.  But  there 
is  one  obftacle  in  my  way — the  adminiilration  of 
the  ordinances.  It  is  pofhble  to  get  the  ordina- 
tion of  a  prefbytery ;  but  this  would  be  incom- 
patible with  Methodifm  :  which  would  be  an  ef- 
fectual bar  in  my  way.  It  appears  very  ilrange, 
that  after  fo  much  affliction,   my  heart  mould  be 

fo  languid  and  dull.     This  day  Mr.   R n  fet 

off  for  New-Tot-h. 

Thurfday  24.     Mr.  R /  and  Mr.  R a 

came  to  town.  I  preached  in  the  evening  from 
Rom.  i.  16.  I  am  not  afiamed  of  the  go/pel  of 
Chnft,  &C  And  (hewed,  fifty  Of  what  he 
was  not  afhamed- — the  experience,  precepts,  and 
bleflin-gs  of  the  gofpel — to  preach  it  in  hs  purity 
—to  fuller  for  it.  Secondly,  Why  he  was  not 
afhamed  of  this — Becaufe  it  is  the  power  of 
GOD  to  falvation  from  the  guilt,  power,  and 
remains  of  fm— the  power  of  GOD  is  difplayed 
in  preaching  the  fimple  truths  of  the  gofpel. 
Thirdly,  To  whom  it  became  fo-— to  them  that 
..believe,  firft  the  threatenings,  precepts,  and  in- 
vitations 0 


<     i«     ) 

vitations ;  and  then  in  Jefus  Chrift  for  this  pre- 
fent falvation. 

Saturday  26.  I  packed  up  my  clothes  in  or- 
der to  depart  on  Monday  morning  for  Baltimore. 
And  while  giving  a  few  words  of  exhortation  in 
the  evening,  we  found  it  a  folemn,  feeling  time 
We  alfo  had  a  very  powerful  feafon  the  next 
evening,  while  I  preached  to  a  full  houfe  on  the 
awful  fubjecl:  of  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus. 

Monday  28.  My  dear  children  in  the  Lord, 
p.  R.  and  S.  O.  with  feveral  other  kind  friends, 
accompanied  me  out  of  town.  We  (lopped  at 
Cheflei-y  where  I  preached  from  thefe  piercing 
words  of  our  Lord,  Thou  knoivejl  not  the  day  of 
thy  vifitatUn.  There  are  but  little  hopes  of  this 
place  at  prefent.  Though,  if  they  do  not  fill  up 
the  meafure  of  their  iniquity,  the  time  to  favour 
them  may  come.  The  Lord  haflen  it,  before 
the  prefent  generation  drops  into  eternity  !  As 
it  is  fome  time  fince  I  have  been  accuftomed  to 
labour  and  fatigue,  my  body  was  exceedingly 
weak  and  weary  at  night. 

Tuefday  29.  Stopping  at  Wilmington  to  preach 
in  the  evening,  a  barber  came  to  (have  me,  who 
once  proferTed  religion,  and  had  been  a  foldier 
in  the  23d  regiment;  but  now  he  is  a  deferter 
both  from  GOD  and  man.  On  our  way  to  Suf- 
quehannah  the  next  day,  we  accidentally  called 
on  Mr.  /.  H.  whofe  heart  was  much  affected 
while  we  prayed  with  him  and  his  family.  When 
we  came  to  the  ferry,  we  had  an  agreeable  time, 
feveral  joining  us  while  wc  called  on  the  Lord 
by  prayer  in  our  room. 

Thurfday  March  2.  "We  called  at  the  houfe 
of  Mr.  J.  D.  and  refted  about  an  hour.  Sifter 
D,  has  treated  me  with  all  the  tendernefs  of  a 
mother  towards  a  fon  :  and  may  he  that  will  not 

forget 


(     «<*9     ) 

forget  a  cup  of  water  given  in  his  name,  abun- 
dantly reward  her  !  We  then  purfued  our  jour^ 
hey  tp  Baltimore  ;  and  my  heart  was  greaily  re- 
freihed  at  the  fight  of  my  fpiritual  children  and 
kind  friends  there,  for  whole  welfare  my  foul  had 
travailed  both  prefent  and  abfent.  The  next  day 
I  had  the  pleafure  of  feeing  our  new  houfe,  and 
my  old  friends  with  fome  new  ones  added  to 
their  number.  Here  are  all  my  own  with  in- 
creafe  ! 

Lord's-day  5.  Both  in  town  and  at  the  Pointt 
large  numbers  attended  to  hear  the  word.  The 
power  of  GOD  was  prefent  i  and  I  had  an  in- 
ward witnefs  that  it  was  the  will  of  GOD,  I 
fhould  at  that  time  be  amongfl  thofe  people.  N, 
I.  is  come  home  to  GOD,  and  R.  M.  is  on  his 
way. 

Monday  6.  My  mind  was  peaceful  and  calm. 
The  next  day  I  fet  out  in  a  carriage  for  Mr.  T.'s 
about  nine  miles  from  town,  and  found  a  large 
congregation,  many  of  whom  came  from  I 
fidgf.  On  Wednefday  I  returned  to  town,  and 
was  powerfully  aflaulted  by  Satan.  But' glory  to 
GOD  !  He  is  my  fun  and  my  (hie Id  :  he  difco- 
vers  to  my  mind  the  temptations,  and  keeps  mc 
from  their  power.  May  I  ever  feel  my  obliga- 
tions, and  delight  in  giving  all  my  ftrength  anil 
time  to  his  fervice. 

Thurfday  9.  My  fpiritwas  grieved  within  mc, 
to  fee  the  wickednefs  of  mankind  in  this  town — 
to  fee  how  they  oppofe  the  truth  of  GOD.  The 
power  of  Satan  is  only  checked  in  a  (mall  de- 
gree :  but  when  fnall  he  be  quite  call  out  ?  Before 
he  will  furTer  his  kingdom  to  be  entirely  over- 
thrown, he  will,  no  doubt,  do  all  he  can  in  ftirr.u- 
Jating  his  trufty  fervants  to  defend  his  caufe. 
Preaching  on  Friday  at  W,  L.'sy  the  wealthy  Mr. 

'  p  an. 


{     '7°     ) 

C.  R.  was  prefent.     And  who  csn  te*l  but  the 
Lord  may  reach  his  heart  ? 

Saturday  n.  My  body  is  fomewhat  unwell; 
but  my  foul  is  in  health  and  peace.  Though  I 
have  fome  caufe  of  lamentation,  for  being  too 
free  in  converfation  with  my  friends. 

Lord's-day  12.  Much  of  the  power  of  GOD 
was  felt  at  the  Point  ;  and  a  divine  energy  went 
forth  amongfl  the  people  at  night  in  town,  while 
I  difcourfed  from  that  awakening  fcripture  Ro- 
mans ii.  8,9,  10.  But  unto  them  that  are  conten- 
tious, and  do  not  obey  the  truth,  but  obey  unrighteouf- 
iiefS)  indignation  and  wrath,  tribulation  and  anguijh, 
upon  every  foul  of  man  that  doeth  evil,  &c.  Chrift 
was  precious  to  my  foul,  rwhich  was  filled  with 
divine  peace.  I  faw  brother  S.  and  entered  in- 
to a  free  converfation  with  him.  His  fentiments 
relative  to  Mr.  R.  correfponded  with  mine.  But 
•all  thefe  matters  I  can  fiiently  commit  to  COD, 
who  over-rules  both  in  earth  and  heaven. 

Monday  13.  After  preaching  at  O.  C.'s  about 
live  miles  from  town,  in  a  comfortable  frame  of 
mind,  I  returned.  The  next  day  I  parted  with 
brother  5.  and  felt  my  mind  deprefled  by  tempta- 
tions. But  a  holy  flame  glowed  in  my  heart, 
while  difcourfing  at  night  on  the  cloud  of  witnef- 
fes.  Believing  that  fome  fouls  were  benefited, 
I  commended  myfelf  to  the  divine  protection,  and 
ilept  in  peace.  Though  it  rained  on  Thurfday 
evening,  yet  many  attended  while  I  enforced  the 
apoftolic  injunction,  Let  us  lay  afide  every  weight, 
and  the  fin  which  doth  fo  eafdy  befet  us.  It  is  to  be 
feared  that  many  Chriftians  do  not  lay  afide  every 
weight  which  impedes  their  fpiritual  progrefs.  If 
they  did,  they  would  not  halt  and  go  on  as  if 
.they  were  weary  ;  but  be  enabled  to  run,  and  that 
fwiih  patience,  the  j ace  that  is  let  before  them. 

Friday 


(     i7i     ) 

Friday.  The  glory  of  GOD  and  the  falvation 
of  men  were  my  principal  objects.  I  went  to 
preach  at  the  Point,  but  they  were  training  the 
militia,  fo  that  the  town  feemed  all  in  confu- 
fion. 

Saturday  18.  Peace  and  pure  dc fires  filled 
my  foul  ;  and  Chrill  was  the  object  of  my  love. 
Glory  be  to  thee,  O  Lord.  The  next  day  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  GOD  was  with  me  in  preach- 
ing at  the  Point  ;  and  with  great  pathos  I  was 
enabled  to  deliver  the  truth  at  night  in  town. 
Many  of  the  audience  felt  the  weight  of  GOD's 
word.  May  they  yield  to  the  facred  touch,  and 
be  faved  !  On  Monday  and  Tucfday  I  made  a 
fmall  excurfion  into  the  country,  and  laboured  to 
bring  fouls  to  Chrift  at  Mr.  R.'s  and  Mr.  TVs* 
It  feems  C.  D.  has  not  loft  all  the  concern  he  felt 
fome  time  ago.  I  afterwards  returned  fafe  to 
town  in  the  evening-,  and  fpent  a  part  of  the  next 
day  in  reading  Taylors  Treatife  on  Holy  Living. 
This  book  was  made  a  bleffing  to  me  above  feven 
years  ago.  I  preached  in  the  evening  from  i 
Samuel  x.  6.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  will  come 
upon  thee,  and  thou  Jhalt  propkejy  with  them,  and 
JJjd.'t  be  turned  into  another  man.  Here  I  took  oc- 
cafion  to  (hew, 

I.  The  operations  of  the  Spirit  on  the  heart 
©f  man — to  convince,  convict,  convert,  and  fane- 
lify. 

II.  The  effects  of  thefe  operations. 

1.  A  (trong  inclination  to  fpeak  for  GOD. 
This  is  the  duty  of  every  Chriftian. 

2.  A  great  change — in  judgment,  defire,  fpi- 
rit,  temper,  and  practice. 

1  found  myfelf  much  indifpofed  when  I  return- 
ed to  my  lodgings,  and  the  difbrder  of  my  body 
depreffcd  my  ipirits. 

Friday 


(  m  ) 

Friday  24.  I  ventured  to  Patapficc«tieck)  and 
had  a  full  houfe  at  Captain  icVs,  whofe  wife  is 
brought  by  grace  to  the  knowledge  of  GOD  in 
Chrift  Jefus. 

Lord's-day  26.  My  heart  was  delightfully 
taken  up  with  GOD.  In  the  time  of  preaching 
at  the  Point  this  morning,  my  fpirit  was  tender, 
and  many  of  the  audience  were  much  melted. 
1  aifo  found  myfelf  greatly  drawn  out  in  preach- 
ing at  night  in  town. 

Tuefday  27.  Mr.  0,  the  Dutch  miniller,  ac- 
companied me  to  /.  O.'s,  where  we  had  a  blefl'ed 
and  refreshing  feafon.  The  next  day  at  town,  I 
met  with  brother  IV.  from  Virginia  ;  who  gave 
me  a  great  account  of  the  work  of  GOD  in  thofe 
parts — five  or  fix  hundred  fouls  juftiSed  by  faith, 
and  five  or  fix  circuits  formed  :  i'o  that  we  have 
now  fourteen  circuits  in  America  ;  and  about 
twenty-two  preachers  are  required  to  fupply  them. 
Thus  we  fee  how  divine  Providence  makes  way 
for  the  word  of  truth,  r.nd  the  Holy  Spirit  at- 
tends it.  May  it  fpread  in  power  and  cover  thefe 
lands!  Brother  IF.  is  a  very  lingular  man,  but 
honed  in  lis  intentions,  and  fincerely  engaged  for 
the  profperity  of  the  work — I  dined  with  Mr. 
O.  the  minifter  mentioned  above,  and  fpent  the 
afternoon  with  him  and  Mr.  S.  another  minifter 
of  the  fame  profeffion.  They  both  appear  to  be 
fincerely  religious,  and  intend  to  make  nropofais 
to  the  German  fynod  this  year,  to  lay  a  plan  for 
the  reformation  of  the  Dutch  congregations. 

Friday  31.  This  was  a  day  of  joy  and  great 
confolation  to  my  foul.  I  clearly  faw  the  pro- 
priety and  neceffity  of  devoting  every  faculty  and 
every  hour  to  GOD. 

Lord's-day  April  2.  Many  people  attended  to 
hear  the  word,  and  there  appeared  to  be  much 

feeling 


(   m   ) 

feeling  amongft  them.     I  had  a  defire  to  hear  for 

my    felf,    Mr.  ,  the  Preibyterian    minified. 

His  difcourfe  was  quite  fyitematical  and  amufing, 
but  if  he  had  ftudied  to  pafs  by  the  conferences 
of  his  hearers,  he  could  not  have  done  it  more 
effectually.  Monday  and  Tuefday  I  fpent  com- 
fortably, in  labouring  on  a  fhorf  tour  in  the  coun- 
try :  and  was  gracioufly  a  (lifted  on  Tuefday  night 
at  town. 

Wednefday  5.  I  experienced  the  benefit  of 
vifiting  the  fick,  and  found  much  fatisfaclion  in 
my  own  foul',  while  fpeaking  plainly  to  a  carnal 
young  man.  The  next  day  Satan  aflaulted  me 
with  great  violence,  bat  he  found  my  heart  fixed 
on  GOD. 

Friday  7.  After  vifiting  two  fick  perfons,  I 
went  to  brother  Z.'s,  and  was  enabled  to  fpeak 
freely  and  feelingly  to  a  large  number  of  rich  and 
poor  aflembled  there.  On  Saturday  I  returned, 
and  found  that  a  young  man  who  had  turned  his 
back  on  the  gofpel,  and  devoted  himfelf  to  fin, 
had  been  fuddenly  matched  away  by  death. 
How  awful  !  Does  not  this  appear  like  the  ju- 
dicial hand  of  GOD?  Do^s  it  not  feem  as  a 
powerful  warning  to  furviving  finners,  efpecially 
fuch  as  anfwer  his  character  ?  And  yet  it  is  to 
be  feared,  many  will  not  hear  the  rod,  nor  regard 
him  that  appointed  it. 

Lord's-day  9.  Though  my  body  was  weak, 
and  my  mind  grieved  by  the  wickednefs  of  the 
wicked,  yet  I  was  enabled  to  fpeak  powerfully 
both  at  the  Point  and  town.  The  blefiing  of  the 
Lord  attended  us  both  at  Mr.  E.'s  on  Monday, 
and  at  O.  C.'s  on  Tuefday.  Here  I  met  with 
brotherS.  and  found  we  were  of  one  heart  and  of 
one  mind.  Lord,  grant  that  all  the  preachers 
maybe  thus  united  in  fentiment  and' affection  ! 
P  2  Thurfday 


(     '74     ) 

Thurfday  13.  Had  fome  converfation  with 
Mrs.  J.  from  Philadelphia.  She  appeared  to  be 
in  diftrefs  about  her  foul,  and  faid  (he  was  con- 
vinced of  her  loft  eilate  the  laft  Lord's-day. 

Saturday  15.  GOD  is  my  portion,  and  my 
all-funScient  good.  He  fills  me  with  pure,  fpi- 
ritua!  life.  My  heart  is  melted  into  holy  love, 
•and  altogether  devoted  to  my  Lord.  Many  came 
to  hear  the  word  of  life  in  the  evening,  and  my 
foul  was  fupplied  with  ftrength. 

Lord's-day  16.     The  Spirit  of  GOD  attended 
our  endeavours   both  in  town   and   Point.     My 
heart   was  greatly  enlarged    in   town    efpecialiy 
re  is  a  very  apparent  alteration  in  this  place 
There  is  not  fo  much  drunkennefs  and  neglect  of 
the  ordinances,  as  in  former  times  ;  and  the  peo- 
ple are  much  more  inclined  to  attend  the  places 
of  public  worfhip.     So  that  on  the  whole,   I  en- 
on  a  lively  hope  that  the  Lord  will  yet  raife 
or  hirrrfelf,  a  large  fociety  in  the  tov/n  of  Bal 
On  Monday   my  frame    was   weak  and 
weary,    neverthekfs    I    had    to   preach   once    in 
town,  and  once  in  the  country  about  feven  miles 

Wedneftlay  19.  Having  preached  at  feveral 
places  in  the  country,  I  returned  to  town  ;  and 
find  that  the  Lord  ailifteth  me  from  time  to  time. 
He  frequently  revives  both  body  and  foul,  when 
I  am  alrnoft  ready  to  give  over. 

Thurfday  2®.  Juit  before  preaching  at  the 
Pointy  fix.,  men  were  accidentally  (hot  in  the  mi~ 
litia  exercife.  I  will  not  venture  to  aflerr,  the 
Captain  collected  them  for  exercife  becaufe  it  was 
preaching  night.  However,  I  vifited  one  of  the 
wounded  and  prayed   with  him. 

Saturday  22.  I  dined  with  Captain  R. 
appeared  to  be   under  fome  fmall  awaken- 


(    '75     ) 

in 2?.  Afterwards  came  to  town,  when  brother 
R.  and  I  met,  like  Jacob  and  Efau  ;  and  all  was 
love  and  peace.  In  the  evening  Mr.  R.  preached 
a  good  fermon  on  John  xii.  36.  While  ye  have 
the  light  believe  in  the  light,  that  ye  may  be  the  chil- 
dren of  light. 

Lord's-day  23.  Our  congregations  were  large; 
amongft  whom  were  Mr.  G.  Mr.  C.  and  others. 
In  the  evening  Mr.  R.  preached  an  alarming 
fermon.  On  Monday  I  vifited  a  Tick  woman, 
who  loon  after  went  into  eternity  ;  and  then  I 
went  to  Mr.  ii.'s,  where  many  found  it  beneficial 
to  them  that  they  were  prefent  to  hear  the  word 
of  the  Lord.  By  particular  invitation,  I  lodged 
on  Tuefday  night  at  Captain  R.'s',  and  in  the 
courfe  of  a  free  converfation,  he  told  me  that  he 
was  brought  under  his  fir  ft  conviction  at  Mr. 
T.'s,  from  Prov.  xxviii.   13. 

Saturday- 29.  I  have  not  been  unafiifted  in 
the  public  exercifes  of  this  week,  and  now  find 
rny  foul  in  a  peaceful  frame,  though  not  without 
a  ferious  concern  for  the  caufe  of  the  country. 
Lord,  turn  afide  thy  difpleafure,  and  mercifully 
interpofe  ! 

Lord'-day  30.  I  preached  three  times,  and 
the  cup  of  my  bleiling  was  full.  What  fiial]  I 
render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  ?  But 
me  have  alarming,  military  accounts  from  Bofton, 
Nevj-Tork,  and  Philadelphia.  Surely  the  Lord 
will  over-rule,  and  make  all  thefe  things  fubfer- 
vient  to  the  fpiritual  welfare  of  his  church.  On 
Monday  I  vifited  the  countrv,  and  having  preach- 
ed at  a  few  places,  returned  on  Tuefday  night  to 
town  ;  and  found  the  people  all  inflamed  with  a 
martial  fpirit. 

Thurfday  May  4.  M/  foul  bngs  for  a  perfect 
conformity  to  die  image  and  will  of  GOD,    in  all 

things. 


(     r76    ) 

things.  I  defire  nothing  but  him,  and  he  caufeth 
my  heart  to  overflow  with  peaceful  joy.  I  preached 
at  the  Point  this  evening,  but  have  more  hope  for 
the  inhabitants  of  the  town  than  for  thofe  of  the 
Point.  O  that  I  could  learn  the  holy  art  of  doing 
more  good  for  precious  fouls  !  It  troubles  me  to 
think  of  being  fo  unprofitable. 

Friday  5.  At  the  appointed  time  for  preach- 
ing, we  had  an  awful  ftorm  of  thunder  and  light- 
ning which  killed  3  horfes.  However,  I  began 
in  the  midft  of  it,  and  fpake  with  liberty  offpirit, 
and  confidence  in  GOD. 

Saturday  6.  I  was  grieved  to-day  that  I  did 
not  feel  myfelf  more  tteadily  devoted  to  GOD. 
In  the  evening  /.  K.  preached  a  good  and  profi- 
table fermon,   but  long  and  loud  enough. 

Lord's-day  7.  I  preached  twice  and  held  a 
love-feaft*,  but  heavinefs  is  brought  upon  my 
mind  by  fome  that  would  once  (comparatively 
fpeaking)  have  plucked  out  their  eyes,  and  have 
given  them  to  me  %y  but  now  they  flight  me  ! 
Curfed  is  the  man  that  trujleth  in  man,  and  maketb 
fleffi  his  arm  ;  ivhofe  heart  departeth  from  the  Lord  ! 
May  my  heart  truft  in  the  Lord ! 

Monday  8.  Several  friends  fet  out  in  company 
with  me  to  the  quarterly  meeting..  When  we 
came  to  J.  G.'s,  he  did  not  appear  to  be  fo  open 
and  free  as  he  was  about  a,  year  ago.  Prayer  is 
^almoft  neglected,  and  both  his  children  and  fer- 
vants  are  almofl:  like  wild,  untaught  Indians. 
Ah  !  what  is  all  the  fubftance  of  this  world,  with- 
out the  love  and  fear  of  GOD  ?  I  proceeded  the 
next  morning  to  meet  the  preachers  and  ftewards. 
At  10  o'clock  we  held  our  love-feaft  ;  though 
my  mind  was  under  fome  exercifes,  fo  that  I  fpoke 
but  little.  However,  at  4  o'clock  I  preached  from 
Xfaiah  xli.  13.  with  great  enlargement^  and  to  a 

large 


(     '77     ) 

:  concourfe  of  people.  But  was  confined  in 
the  evening  to  the  company  of  men  who  were 
deftitute  of  religion,  and  full  of  fm  and  politics. 
My  brethren  and  myfelf  were  glad  to  have  prayer 
in  the  morning  and  leave  them.  If  there  were 
no  other  hell  than  the  company  of  wicked  men, 
I  would  fay,  from  fetch  a  hell,  good  Lord,  deliver 
me  ! 

Thurfday  it,  was  appointed  as  a  general  faft  : 
I  preached  on  the  occahon,  and  the  Lord  made 
it  a  folemn,  heart-affecting  time,  fo  that  we  did 
not  conclude  till  about  3  o'clock.  The  next  day 
I  reached  Bohemia,  but  as  it  was  late  fome  of 
the  congregation  had  departed,  I  therefore  ex- 
horted thofe  that  were  left  5  and  then  proceeded 
to  Ni'iurafile. 

Lord's-day  14.     Both  laft  night  and  this  day, 

pe  my  ikirts  were   clear  of  the  blood  of  the 

pie  in  this  little  town,  whether  they  reject  or 

accept  of  an  offered  falvation.     After  (lopping  to 

h  at  Chefter  the  next  day,  I  then  went  on  to 

Philadelphia. 

Tuefday  16.  I  had  fome  friendly  and  clofe 
ponverfation  with  the  preachers,  m  which  we 
fpake  plainly  of  cur  experience  and  doctrines. 
wet.  R — a  preached  in  the  evening.  From  Wed- 
Defday  till  Friday  we  fpent  in  conference  with 
)  '.cat  harmony  and  fvvectnefs  of  temper.  If  the 
Lord  fparcs  me,  I  am  now  about  bending  my 
courfe  towards  Norfolk,  to  preach  the  glad  tidings 
of  falvation  to  perilling  finners  there. 

Monday  22.  Having  preached  the  lafb  even- 
ing with  fome  fweet  enlargement,  I  left  Philadel- 
phia this  morning  andfet  off  for  Norfolk.  Preach- 
ed at  night  to  a  few  people  in  Chefler,  and  was 
conducted  the  next  morning  in  a  friend's  chaife 

to 


(     178    ) 

to  Cecil  court-houfe,  where  I  embarked  for  Nor- 
folk. 

Monday  29.  With  a  thankful  heart  I  landed 
at  Norfolk,  after  having  been  much  toffed  about 
by  contrary  winds  in  the  bay.  My  accommoda- 
tions on  board  the  veffel  were  alfo  very  indifferent, 
fo  that  it  was  a  difagreeable  and  fatiguing  paffage  > 
but 

"  In  hopes  of  that  immortal  crown, 

"  I  now  the  crofs  fuftain  ; 

"  And  gladly  wander  up  and  down, 

"  And  fmile  at  toil  and  pain." 

Here  I  found  about  30  perfons  in  fociety  after 
their  manner}  but  they  had  no  regular  clafs-meet- 
ings.  However,  here  are  a  few  who  are  willing 
to  obferve  all  the  rules  of  our  fociety..  Their 
prefent  preaching-houfe  is  an  old  mattered  build- 
ing, which  has  formerly  been  a  play-houfe. 
Surely  the  Lord  will  not  always  fufFer  his  honour 
to  be  trampled  in  the  duft.  No  j  1  entertain  a 
hope  that  we  ihall  have  a  houfe  and  a  people  in 
this  town.  My  heart  is  filled  with  holy  thoughts, 
and  deeply  engaged  in  the  work  of  GOD.  On 
Tuefday  evening  about  150  fouls  attended  to  hear 
the  word,  and  about  50  at  5  o'clock  on  Wednef- 
day  morning,  which,  by  the  prefence  of  the  Lord, 
was  found  to  be  a  good  time.  I  then  went  over 
to  Port/mouthy  and  found  my  fpirit  at  liberty  in 
preaching  to  a  number  of  fouls  there. 

Friday  June  2.  The  Lord  is  pleafed  to  fhew 
me  the  danger  which  a  preacher  is  in  of  being 
lifted  up  by  pride,  and  falling  into  the  condemna- 
tion of  the  devil.  How  great  is  the  danger  of 
this  !  A  confiderable  degree  of  ballaft  is  highly 
neceffary  to  bear  frequent  and  fudden  puffs  of  ap- 
plaufe.  Lord,  fill  me  with  genuine  humility,  that 

the 


(     K9    ) 

the  urongeft  gluts  from  Satan  or  the  world  may 
never  move  me. 

Saturday  3.     My  body  is  weak,  but  my  foul  is 

in  a  fweet,  pacific  trame.     I  fee  the  need  of  con- 

•ftant  watchfulnefs  and  entire  devotion  to  GOD. 

My    heart  was   (laid  on    GOD  while   preaching 

in   the  evening  from  Pfalm  Ixviii.    18. 

Lord's-day  4.  Many  feemed  willing  to  beat 
both  morning  and  evening  at  Norfolk  ,•  but  in  the 
afternoon  at  Portfmouth>  the  congregation,  though 
large,  feemed  to  have  very  little  fenfibility.  On 
Monday  I  found  myfelf  better  than  could  be  ex- 
pected, after  preaching  3  times  and  meeting  the 
fociety  the  day  before.  May  the  Lord  brace  up 
my  feeble  frame,  and  by  his  grace  I  am  deter- 
mined to  ufe  it  for  his  glory  and  the  iervice  of  his 
church..  The  congregation  were  attentive  in  the 
evening  while  I  enlarged  on  the  fruits  of  the 
Spirir. 

Tuefday  6.  I  went  to  the  farthermofl  part 
of  Porifmouth  parilh,  through  fuch  a  fwamp  as  I 
never  faw  before,  and  partook  of  a  blefTing  with 
the  people,  fome  of  whom  are  of  a  fimple  heart. 
After  having  preached  at  Mr.  F.'s  in  St.  Bride's 
parifh,  then  at  Mr.  M.'s  and  Mr.  R.'s,  I  returned 
to  Portfmrjitth  on  Thurfday  evening,  and  found 
my  foul  in  peace.  I  have  lately  read  Ma/on  on 
felf-knowledge.  This  book  with  Franks  on  the 
fear  of  man,  and  Thomas  a  Kempis,  are  molt  ex- 
cellent books  for  a  Chriftian. 

Wednefday  14.  I  have  continued  labouring, 
with  different  degrees  of  encouragement,  between 
Norfolk  and  Porifmouth;  but  have  not  met  with 
that  fuccefs  which  my  foul  longs  for.  Our  friends 
fet  a  fubfeription  on  foot  to-day,  for  building  a 
houfe  of  worfhip,  and  have  raifed  only  about  /*.  34. 
Jiad  they  the  fame  fpirit  .of  .liberality  which   they 

have 


(     i8o     ) 

have  in  Baltimore,  they  might  eafily  accomplish 
it. 

Thurfday  15.  I  found  13  ferious  fouls  in  fo- 
ciety  about  6  miles  from  town  on  the  Suffolk 
road ;  but  poor  brother  O.  is  fubjecl:  to  great  hea- 
vinefs  through  manifold  temptations.  The  con- 
gregation here  was  but  fmall  j  however,  fome  of 
them  were  much  affected.  I  gave  a  clofe  and 
pointed  exhortation  in  the  evening  at  Portfmouth  i 
and  there  was  a  melting  of  heart  amongft  the 
people.  I  preached  again  the  next  day  and  met 
both  the  clalTes,  and  felt  my  hopes  for  Portfmouth 
begin  to  revive. 

Monday  19.  Yefterday's  labour  of  preaching 
3  times,  &c.  was  not  too  much  for  me.  And  this 
day  my  foul  enjoys  delightful  communion  witlr 
GOD.  Satan  aflaults;  but  he  that  is  for  me  is 
ilronger  than  he  that  is  againft  me. 

<e  Be  thou  my  ftrength,  be  thou  my  way, 
"  Protect  me  through  my  life's  fhort  day ; 
u  In  all  my  acts  may  wifdom  guide  ; 
<(  And  keep  me,  Saviour,  near  thy  fide." 

Tuefday  20.  I  preached  at  Hew -mill  Creek, 
and  joined  two  perfons  to  the  fmall  fociety  there. 
Went  thence  to  Northivefl  woods,  and  preached 
at  the  ho ufe  of  Mr.  A.  and  after  preaching  at  2' 
or  3  more  places,  I  returned  on  Thurfday  to  : 
Portfmouth. 

Monday  26.  The  GOD  of  hope  fills  me  with 
joy  and  peace  in  believing.  About  70  fouls  fat, 
under  the  word  this  evening,  and  fome  of  them" 
were  very  deeply  affected.  But  too  often  it  is  as* 
the  morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early  dew.  How 
irrational  it  is,  that  rational  beings  mould  employ 
their  thoughts  with   readinefs  oil  every   trifling. 

fubjecl, 


{     iSt     ) 

fubje£b,  when  they  can  hardly  be  brought  to 
think  ferioufly  on  the  things  of  eternity,  although 
the  Holy  Spirit  awakens  their  fenfibility  and 
alarms  their  fears.  O,  the  ilrange  perverfenefs, 
the  deadly  depravity  of  man  ! 

Tuefday  27.  Preached  at  5  in  the  morning,  but 
am  deprefied  in  fpirit,  to  fee  fuch  an  infenfibility 
to  the  things  of  GOD  amongit  the  people.  Surely, 
I  am  now  in  a  dry  and  barren  land,  but  hope  it 
will  not  be  fo  long. 

Thurfday  29.  I  preached  at  Mr.  i?.'s,  a  new 
place,  and  a  large  company  was  collected.  The 
Lord  ftirred  the  hearts  of  the  people  under  the 
preaching  of  the  word  at  i/.'s,  and  on  Friday  I 
returned  and  preached  at  night  in  Port/mouth.  Af- 
ter I  haxl  met  the  clalTes  and  put  them  into 
bands  the  next  day,  I  then  fet  off  for  Crany  ifland; 
but  found  the  weather  exceffively  hot,  fuch  as  I 
had  never  known  in  England  On  my  return  fome 
of  the  members  appeared  a  little  refractory  in  fub- 
mitting  to  difciplme.  But  without  difcipline  we 
fliould  foon  be  as  a  rope  of  fand  ;  fo  that  it  mull 
be  in  forced  let  who  will  be  difpleafed. 

Lord's-day  July  2.  Our  congregations  confifted 
of  many  people  from  the  country,  as  well  as  the 
towns  ;  and  I  knew  by  experience  that  where  the 
Spirit  cf  the  Lord  is,  there  is  liberty. 

Monday  3,  was  fpent  in  writing  to  the  preach- 
ers and  reading;  and  I  was  much  contracted  in 
my  ideas  while  preaching  at  night.  But  all  my 
foul  is  taken  up  with  GOD ;  fo  that  my  defire  is 
unto  the  Lord,  and  the  remembrance  of  his  name. 

"  Give  me  thyfelf,  from  every  boaft, 

"  From  every  wiih  fet  free  ; 
«  Let  all  I  am  in  thee  be   loft3 

"  But  give  thyfelf  to  me." 

Q_  Friday 


('i8a     ) 

Friday  7.  The  three  laft  days  I  have  laboured  at 
different  places  in  the  country,  and  preached  this 
evening  in  Port/mouth.  Though  I  feel  fome  con- 
cern for  the  fouls  of  my  fellow  men,  yet  not 
enough.  If  we  could  but  fee  by  faith  the  danger 
to  which  poor  unpardoned  finners  are  continually 
cxpofed,  if  we  could  but  have  a  realizing  view  of 
that  unquenchable  fire  into  which  they  muft  be 
plunged,  dying  in  their  prefent  ftate,  how  could 
we  reft  day  or  night  from  ufing  all  poflible  endea- 
vours to  prevent  their  eternal  damnation  ?  O 
unbelief!  thou  moil  deftruclive  fin  !  how  doft 
thou  deftroy  the  vigour  of  Chriftians'  endea- 
vours, as  well  as  the  fouls  of  the  unregenerate  ■! 

Tuefday  11.  After  preaching  at  5  o'clock  in 
Norfolk ,  I  went  to  Pcrtfmouth,  met  the  claries, 
and  read  and  explained  the  rules  5  telling  them 
that  every  civil  fociety  has  their  proper  rules,  and 
perfons  appointed  to  fee  them  kept ;  and  that  e- 
very  member  forfeited  his  right  to  memberiTiip  if 
lie  wilfully  tranfgrefied  them.  If  men  fee  the  ne- 
ceffity  of  being  thus  fubje£r,  to  order  for  the  fake 
of  temporary  advantages,  how  much  more  cheer- 
fully mould  we  be  fubjecl,  for  the  eternal  advan- 
tages which  attend  the  falvation  of  our  fouls ! 

Friday  14.  I  returned  to  town  after  a  (hort 
tour  and  preaching  feveral  times  in  the  country. 
In  this  tour  I  lodged  at  the  houfe  of  brother  O. 
mentioned  fome  time  ago,  a  man  of  a  gloomy  fpi- 
rit,  but  folid  piety.  In  his  houfe  there  is  a  true, 
fpiritual  church— three  fouls  all  of  one  mind,  and 
{mcerely  intent  on  feeking  and  ferving  the  Lord. 
I  met  the  clafTes  in  town  and  found  my  foul  fweet- 
]y  (laid  on  the  Lord^  though  my  animal  fpirits 
flagged  by  reafon  of  the  extreme  heat.  Friend  L» 
is  oppofed  to  our  rules ;  but  no  man  can  expect 
to  abide  with  us,  unlefs  he  is  fo  fatisfied  with  our 

rules 


(     i»3     ) 

rules  as  to  manifeft  a  proper  refpecl  and  confor- 
mity. He  maybe,  as  I  hope  he  is,  a  well  mean- 
ing man,  but  he  is  deficient  in  religious  judg- 
ment. 

Thurfday  20.  I  have  now  been  a  few  days 
doing  my  Mailer's  bufinefs  in  the  country  *,  but 
have  taken  co)d,  and  am  afflicted  with  a  fevere 
head-ach,  fo  that  I  am  almoit  ready  to  lie  by. 
However,  the  next  day  I  found  myfelf  fomething 
better,  and  came  to  Fortfmouth>  met  the  clafles 
and  preached.  My  heart  and  my  flelh  cry  out  for 
GOD. 

"  Fulfil,  fulfil  my  large  defires, 
"  Large   as  infinity  ! 

"  Give,   give  me  all  my  foul  requires, 
«  All,  all  that  is  in  thee." 

Lord's-day  23.  There  appeared  to  be  many 
wild  people  in  the  congregation,  though  the  grace 
of  GOD  is  fuiHcient  to  make  them  tame.  But 
the  Almighty  dealeth  with  man  as  with  a  rational 
creature ;  therefore  we  may  go  on  in  our  folly, 
like  the  wild  afs's  colt,  till  we  drop  into  endlefs 
perdition,  unlefs  we  yield  Co  the  facred  touch  of 
grace,  and  become,  workers  together  with  GOD. 

Wedncfday  ^6.  I  preached  to  a  fmall  com- 
pany at  brother  W.\  \  and  before  the  congrega- 
tion was  difmiiTed,  an  honeft  Chriitian,  who  had 
been  juftified  about  twelve  months  before,  rofe 
up  and  fpoks  a  few  broken  words,  which  affected 
the  people  more  than  all  that  had  been  faid. 
What  an  excellent  thing  is  fimplicity  of  heart  ! 
How  ready  is  GOD  to  own  and  blefa  it !  It  would 
be  well  for  profeflcrs  of  fome  (landing,  to  in- 
quire impartially  if  they  have  not  loll  their  firft 
Cmphcity.  Old  profeffors  are  very  apt  to  become 
wife  in    their  own  efteem,    and  fools  in  GOD's- 

efteem. 


1      i«4     ) 

dleem.  I  have  eonftant  inward  fevers,  and  drag 
a  cumberfome  body  with  me  ;  but  my  foul  is 
linked  to  Jefus  ;  though  I  ardently  wifh  to  feel 
moreferve/it  love  to  my  GOD  and  Saviour.  Cal- 
ling at  brother  O.'s,  in  this  little  exCurfion,  I 
found  his  wife  exceedingly  happy  in  the  love  of 
GOD,  and  I  know  not  but  (he  is  fanclified 
wholly. 

Friday  28.  .At  my  return  to  town,  I  found 
the  people  in  fome  commotion — their  trading  to 
the  Weft-Indies  was  prohibited.  However,  the 
little  fociety  feemed  determined  to  cleave  to  the 
Lord.  The  next  day  I  went  down  the  river  to 
Mr.  E.'s,  and  preached  (perhaps  to  but  little  pur- 
pofe)  to  a  company  of  ignorant,  carelefs  peo- 
ple. 

Lord's-day  30.  I  was  greatly  afiifted  in  my 
public  exercifes  both  in  Norfolk  and  Port/mouth. 
If  it  were  in  my  power,  and  confident  with  the 
will  of  GOD,  every  foul  of  them  mould  be 
brought  to  Chriil.  But  alas .'  thefe  are  vain 
thoughts,  for  the  Almighty  has  an  infinitely 
greater  defire  for  their  eternal  welfare.  But  the 
whole  of  the  matter  is  this,  they  will  not  come  to 
Chri/l,  in  the  way  he  has  appointed,  that  they 
might  have  life  :  and  thus  many  will  eternally 
perifh  in  their  fins. 

Friday  Auguft  4.  I  fpent  the  preceding  part 
of  this  week  preaching  in  the  country  as  ufual* 
and  with  various  profpe&s  of  fuccefs ;  but  came 
back  to-day,  met  the  clafles  which  appeared  to 
be  much  more  engaged  for  heaven,  and  preached 
in  the  evening. 

Saturday  5.  My  fpirit  was  a  little  dejecled, 
butblerTed  with  the  peace  of  GOD.  I  had  fome 
converfation  with  Mr.  S.  who  faid  the  people 
ihould  be  kept  in   fociety,  if  they  did  not  meet 

in 


(     I8S     ) 

m  clafs  \  and  intimated  that  inftead  of  preaching 
the  gofpel,  I  had  been  expofing  their  faults  So 
this  is  part  of  what  I  have  gained  by  my  labour. 
But  I  let  him  know  that  our  rules  were  intended 
for  ufe. 

Monday  7.  1  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  T. 
R.  in  which  he  informed  me  that  himfelf,  Mr. 
R.  and  Mr.  D.  had  confulted,.  and  deliberately- 
concluded,  it  would  be  belt  to  return  to  England, 
But  I  can  by  no  means  agree  to  leave  fuch  a  field 
forgathering  fouls  to  Chrid,  as  we  have  in  Ame- 
rica. It  would  be  an  eternal  difhonour  to  the 
Methodiils,  that  we  fhould  all  ler.ve  three  thou- 
fand  fouls  who  defire  to  commit  themfelves  to  our 
care  ;  neither  is  it  the  part  of  a  good  fhepherd  to 
leave  his  flock  in  time  of  danger  :  therefore,  I  am 
determined,  by  the  grace  of  GOD,  not  to  leave 
them,  let  the  confequence  be  what  it  may.  Our 
friends  here  appeared  to  be  diftrefTed  above  mea- 
fure,  at  the  thoughts  of  being  forfaken  by  the 
preachers.  So  I  wrote  my  fentiraents  both  to  Mr. 
T.  R.  and  Mr.  G.  S. 

Tuefday  8.  I  fet  out  on  my  little  country  tour, 
and  after  preaching  at  Mr.  #.'s,  brother  JV.'s, 
and  a  few  other  places,  returned  on  Friday  to 
Port  [mouth  and  preached  in  the  evening,  though 
much  indifpofed.-  This  week  we  have  had  fuch 
thunder  and  lightning  as  I  never  knew  before. 
Thus  by  going  from  one  climate  to  another,  we 
may  meet  with  things  of  which  we  had  very  little 
idea.  Then  how  will  it  be  when  we  change 
worlds  inftead  of  climates  ?  And  how  furprifeel 
will  impenitent  finners  be,  when  they  go  from 
earth  to  heH  ?  That  GOD  whofe  power  produces 
the  thunder  and  lightning,  of  which  the  inhabi- 
tants of  fome  parts  of  the  earth  have  very  little 
conception,  is  undoubtedly  able  to  produce  the 
0^2  unquenchable 


(     '86     ) 

unquenchable  fire,   of  which  many  impenitent 
finners  have  very  little  belief. 

Lord's-day  13.  My  own  foul  was  enlarged  in 
preaching,  but  the  people  were  too  little  affected.- 
On  Monday  I  fpoke  both  morning  and  evening  ; 
but  we  were  intetrupted  by  the  clamour  of  arms* 
and  preparations  of  war.  My  bufinefs  is,  to  be 
more  intenfely  devoted  to  GOD.     Then, 

"  The  rougher  our  way, 
"  The  fhorter  our  (lay  > 
H  The  tempefts  that  rife 
*'  Shall  glorioufly  hurry  our  fouls  to  the  fides."" 

Wednefday  16.  Preaching  at  Mr.  i/.'s,  about 
fixteen  miles  from  town,  I  met  with  Mr.  P.  from 
North  Carolina,  who  invited  me  to  go  and  form? 
a  circuit  in  Currituck  county,  where  they  have 
very  little  preaching  but  what  they  pay  for  at  the 
rate  of  three  pounds  per  fermon.  I  accepted  the 
invitation,  and  appointed  the  10th  of  September 
for  the  time  to  vifit  them.  A  letter  from  brother 
G.  S.  which  came  to  hand  on  Friday,  gave  an 
account  of  about  two  hundred  fouls  brought  to 
Chrift,  within  the  fpace  of  two  months.  Glory 
to  GOD  for  the  falvation  of  finners  !  Surely  I 
am  in  a  dry  and  barren  place  !  And  there  is  but 
little  profpecl  of  doing  good  ;  though  the  Spi- 
rit of  holinefs  pofleiTes  my  own  heart.'  But  oh  f 
how  it  pants  for  more  faith  and  love  !  How  it 
longs  to  be  more  ufefui  in  the  church  of  Chrift  ! 

Saturday  19.  My  body  is  weak  \  but  this 
does  not  concern  me  like  the  want  of  more  grace. 
My  heart  is  too  cool  towards  GOD  :  I  want  to 
fee!  it  like  a  holy  flame.  I  am  alfo  fometi'mes 
afraid  that  I  fhall  never  do  any  more  good. 

JLordVday 


{     ««7    ) 

Lord's-day  20.  I  preached  three  times  as 
ufual  ;  and  heard  a  fermon  on  the  dignity  of  hu- 
man nature.  Vain  philofophy  !  Every  imagina- 
tion of  the  thoughts  of  the  heart  (in  an  unrenewed 
man)  is  only  evil  continually.  Then  what  is  the 
dignity  of  depraved  human  nature  ?  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  T.  R.  exprefTing  a  change  in  his 
intention  of  returning  to  England.  Rode  to 
Mr.  B.fs9  on  Tuefday,  where  many  of  the  people 
were  much  afFected  under  preaching.  Lord,  wa- 
ter the  feed  fown,  that  fooner  or  later  it  may- 
bring  forth  fruit  to  thy  glory  \  The  weather  is 
now  fo  hot,  that  my  body  is  greatly  enfeebled, 
and  my  mind  aimoil  unfit  for  every  exerciie. 
But  I  defire  in  patience  to  polTefs  my  foul.  I 
went  to  Mr.  E.'s  on  Saturday,  but  there  was  fo 
little  profpecl:  of  doing  them  any  good,  I  took  my 
leave  of  them.  My  body  was  fatigued,  my  foul 
was  tempted  and  caft  down  ;  but  in  meeting  the 
people  at  night  in  town  my  fpirit  was  refrefh- 
ed. 

LordVday  27.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  wrought 
powerfully  in  our  congregations,  and  fome  were 
deeply  affected.  On  Monday  1  fet  off  for  Mill- 
creck,  to  hold  our  quarterly  meeting.  We  found 
it  a  peaceful,  comfortable  time.  Mr.  5.  difco- 
vered  his  independent  principles,  in  objecting  to 
our  difcipline.  He  appears  to  want  no  preach- 
ers :  he  can  do  as  well  or  better  than  they.  But 
it  is  likely  felf-fufhciency  is  the  fpring  of  all  this. 
After  preaching  at  a  few  other  places  on  the  way, 
I  returned  to  Portfmouth  on  Friday  ;  and  on  Sa- 
turday we  had  a  moft  remarkable  ftorm  :  the 
wind  was  at  north  eaft,  and  blew  feveral  vefTels 
on  fhore  ;  and  among  others  the  Mercury  man- 
of-war.  Houfes  were  blown  down  ;  docks  torn 
Up  j  bridges  carried  away;  abundance  of  trees 

broken 


(     188     ) 

broken  and  torn  up  by  the  roots;  and  feveral 
tracts  of  land  overflowed  with  water..  What  a 
peculiar  bleffi  ng  is  true  religion  !. 

cc  Who  in  the  Lord  confide, 
"  And  feel  his  fprinkled  blood,. 

«  In  ftorms  and  hurricanes  abide, 
«  Firm  as  the  mount  of  GOD." 

A  more  awful  fcene  than  this  will  be  unfold** 
ed,  when  GOD  (hall  judge  the  world  by  the  man 
Chrifl  Jefus.  How  then  will  poor  finners  quake 
and  tremble,  when  the  heavens  jkall  pafs  away 
with  a  great  noife,  and  the  elements  jhali  melt  with 
fervent  heat  !  O  that  they  were  wife,  that  they  un- 
derstood this,  that  they  would  confider  their  latter 
end  ! 

Monday  September  4.  I  was  taken  very  ill 
with  the  fail  fever,  and  being  able  to  take  but 
little  nourilhment,  was  much  reduced.  However, 
I  put  my  trull  in  the  Lord,  and  committed  all  my 
concerns  to  him  ;  but  was  not  able  to  keep  any 
journal  till  the  25th  inftant,  and  then  felt  myfelf 
but  very  little  better. 

Tuefday  26.  Brother  W.  died.  The  Lord 
does  all  things  well  :  perhaps  brother  W.  was  in 
danger  of  being  intangled  in  worldly  bufinefs,  and 
might  thereby  have  injured  the  caufe  of  GOD* 
So  he  was  taken  away  from  the  evil  to  come. 

Wednefday  27.  My  body  is  dill  very  weak, 
and  there  is  too  much  weaknefs  in  my  foul,  which 
paffionately  longs  for  more  fpirituality,  and  more 
of  GOD  in  Chrift  Jefus, 

«  Come,  O  my  GOD,  thyfelf  reveal  ; 
"  Fill  all  this  mighty  void  j 

"  Thos* 


(     i»9     ) 

"  Thou  only  canft  my  fpirit  fill  ; 
«  Come,  O  my  GOD,  my  GOD  V 

Thurfday  28.  I  ventured  to  preach  a  funeral 
fermon  at  the  burial  of  brother  W.  He  has  been 
a  very  ufeful,  laborious  man,  and  the  Lord  gave 
him  many  feals  to  his  miniftry.  Perhaps  no  one 
in  America  has  been  an  instrument  of  awakening 
fo  many  fouls,  as  GOD  has  awakened  by  him. 

Friday  29.  My  body  recovers  a  little  health 
and  ftrength.  Lord,  help  me  fo  to  ufe  my 
ftrength  for  thee,  as  never  to  provoke  thee,  in 
thy  difpleafure,  to  deprive  me  of  either  my  life  or 
my  ftrength  !  Wrote  to  Mr.  T.  R.  informing  him 
of  brother  WM  death. 

Lord's-day  October  u  Preached  in  Portf- 
mouthy  for  the  firft  time  fince  my  illnefs,  and  the 
hearts  of  many  were  touched. 

Tuefday  3.  My  heart  is  fixed,  trufting  in  the 
Lord.  I  fincevel/  defire  to  be  intirely  his — to 
fpend  the.remn  ,nt  of  my  days  and  ftrength  alto- 
gether for  GOD.  A  company  of  marines  have 
been  alhore  at  Norfolk,  ranfacked  the  printing 
office,  and  taken  the  printers  and  prefs  with  them. 
The  inhabitants  foon  after  embodied  and  got  un- 
der arms.  The  people  are  alio  repairing  the  fort* 
which  if  put  in  order  may  fink  all  the  mips  that 
{hall  attempt  to  come  into  the  harbour — But  if  it 
is  thought  expedient  to  watch  and  fight  in  de- 
fence of  our  bodies  and  property,  how  much 
more  expedient  is  it  to  watch  and  fight  againft 
fin  and  Satan,  in  defence  of  our  fouls  which  are 
in  danger  of  eternal  damnation  I  But  fmall  dan- 
gers at  hand  have  a  greater  effect  on  fallen  man, 
than  the  greateft  dangers  which  are  thought  to  be 
at  adiftance.  But  alas  !  the  one  may  be  as  near 
as  the  other  ! 

Saturday 


(      *<?o     ) 

Saturday  7.  I  ventured,"  though  we?.!;,  on  a 
fmall  exeuriion  inr<.  [he  country  t^iS' week,  and 
preached  feveral  ti 

Lord's-day  8.  Was  greatly  enlarged  in  preach- 
ing both  at  Norfolk  and  Port/mouth*  and  I  venture 
to  hope  fome  good  was  done.  But  martial  da- 
rn- urs  confufe  the  land.  However,  my  foul  (hall 
reft  in  GOD  during  this  dark  and  cloudy  day. 
He  has  his  way  in  the  whirlwind,  and  will  not 
fail  to  defend  his  own  ark. 

Wednefday  11.  Satan  aflaults  me,  but  can- 
not break  my  peace.  My  foul  is  ftakl  on  the 
Lord,  and  I  find  great  fweetnefs  in  reading  the 
bible  and  comparing  fpiritual  things  with  fpiri- 
tual.  Other  books  have  too  great  a  tendency  to 
draw  us  from  this,  the  bed  of  books  -y  I  therefore 
intend  to  read  more  in  this  and  lefs  in  alt 
others. 

Friday  13.  Preached  at  Mr-  F.'s>  where  I  al- 
ways find  confolation  in  my  foul  :  then  I  return- 
ed to  Port/mouth,  and  found  my  fpirit  at  liberty 
in  preaching  at  night. — Well  may  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  be  compared  to  a  net,  which  is  call:  into 
the  fea,  and  gathereth  all  both  good  and  bad  r 
we  had  collected  twenty-feven  perfons  in  our  lit- 
tle foeiety  here,  "when  I  firft  came  j  but  I  have 
been  obliged  to  reduce  them  to  fourteen  ;  and 
this  day  I  put  out  a  woman  for  exceilive  drink- 
ing. Here  we  fee  the  necemty  and  advantage  of 
discipline.  No  doubt  but  Satan  will  ufe  all  his 
endeavours  to  thruft  in  fome  who  are  unfound 
and  infincere,  fo  that  they,  by  their  ungodly  con- 
duel:,  may  help  him  to  bring  reproach  on  the  fpi- 
ritual church  of  Chrift.  And  unlefs  the  difci- 
piine of  the  church  is  enforced,  what  (incere  per- 
fon  would  ever  join  a  foeiety  amongic  whom  they 
faw  ungodlinefs  connived  at  ? 

Friday 


(  Ipt  ) 

Friday  20.  Having  fpent  federal  days  preach- 
ing in  different  parts  of  the  country,  I  returned 
I  to  Portjmoutk,  and  was  comforted.  We  have  a 
few  as  faithful  and  happy  fouls  in  this  place,  as 
perhaps  in  any  part  of  Virginia;  and  unlefs  di- 
vine juftice  has  determined  deftruclion  on  thefe 
two  towns,  I  hope  the  Lord  will  undertake  for 
them,  and  increafe  their  number. 

Lord's-day  22.  A  painful  fwelling  in  my  face 
prevented  my  preaching  this  morning  ;  but  it 
broke  and  gave  me  eafe  before  night,  fo  I  ex- 
horted in  the  evening. 

Monday  21.  As  I  expect  to  go  to  Brunf- 
wick  fhortly,  my  heart  rejoices  in  hopes  of  feeing 
good  days,  and  many  fouls  brought  to  GOD,  in 
thofe  parts.  True  gofpel  preachers  may  fay  with 
the  poet, 

"  The  love  of  Chrift  our  hearts  conftrains, 
fi  And  ftrengthens  our  unweary'd  hands, 

"  We  fpend  our  fweat,  and  time,  and  pains, 
"  To  cultivate  Immanuel's  lands." 

Preaching  at  Mr.  i?.'s  to-day,  fome  who  had 
treated  me  with  unkindnefs,  were  now  affected 
and  wept  much  at  the  thoughts  of  parting.  The 
word  went  with  power  to  the  hearts  of  many  at 
Mr.  H.'s  on  Tuefday  ;  as  it  did  alfo  the  next  day 
at  the  widow  L's  *,  where  they  prevailed  on  me 
to  tarry  all  night  and  preach  again  for  them  on 
the  Thurfday,  which  I  did.  Here  is  a  profpecl; 
of  doing  good,  and  a  preacher  is  acceptable  j  for 
they  have  no  minifter  in  the  county,  except  one 
which  is  occafionally  hired  at  the  extravagant 
rate  before  mentioned.  I  explained  fomething 
of  our  difcipline  and  method  of  fupport  to  Mr. 
P.  and  he  feemed   defirous  that  we  fhould  go 

amongft 


(     19*    ) 

amongft  them.  I  then  went  to  the  north-weft 
woods ,-  and  preached  at  the  funeral  of  a  certain 
Mr.  M.  who  had  defired  that  we  fhould  per- 
form this  laft  office  for  him.  Many  people  were 
prefent,  who  feemed  ferious,  and  fbnie  of  them 
were  much  afFe&ed.  On  Friday  I  returned  to 
Port/mouth. 

Saturday  28.  I  feel  determined,  by  the  grace 
of  GOD,  to  ufe  more  private  prayer.  And  may 
the  Lord  make  me  more  ferious,  more  watchful 
and  more  holy- 

Lord's-day  29.  There  was  great  tendernefs 
of  heart  amongft  the  people  at  Norfolk,  while  I 
enlarged  on  thefe  words  of  our  Lord,  /  will  not 
leave  you  comfortlefs  ;  I  will  come  unto  you.  It  was 
alfo  an  affecting  time  at  Port/mouth,  while  preach- 
ing from  Deut.  xxx.  19. 

Monday  30.  I  am  now  bound  for  Brunfwick, 
Some  that  had  been  difpleafed  with  my  ftrictnefs 
in  difcipline,  were  now  unwilling  to  let  me  go  ; 
but  i  fear  they  will  not  foon  fee  me  again,  if  they 
fliould  even  fay,  Blejfed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord.  I  am  deficient  in  many  things, 
but  my  confcience  beareth  me  witnefs  that  1  have 
been  faithful  to  thefe  fouls,  both  in  preaching  and 
difcipline.  After  taking  leave  of  my  friends, 
I  fet  out  for  Brunfwick  ;  and  having  preached 
at  Mr.  B.'s  in  the  way,  lodged  at  Mrs.  W.'s. 

November  1.  After  we  had  pafled  Southamp- 
ton court-houfe,we  were  flopped  by  one  who  had 
an  order  from  the  committee,  to  examine  ftran- 
gers.  When  we  had  given  him  an  account  of 
ourfelves,  he  treated  us  with  great  kindnefs,  and 
invited  us  to  dine  with  him,  which  we  did.  My 
body  is  a  little  fatigued,  but  my  foul  is  blefled 
with  health  and  vigour.  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord 
helped  ! 

Thurfday 


(     'S3     ) 

Thurfday  November  2.     By  the    good   provi- 
dence of  GOD,  I   entered  Br.  it   at 
the  houfe  of  Mr.   M.   and  am                   in  a  few: 
miles  of  clear  brother  G.  S.   GOD  is  at 
this  part  of  the  country  ',   and    my 
the  hofy  fire  already. 

Friday  3.     GOD  is  my  reft   and   my  portion  ; 
my  foul  clelighteth  in  him.     My  heart  is  elevated 
in  names  of  facred  lire,  both  in  private  and  | 
lie  prayer. 

M  Let  others  ftretch  their  arms  like  feas, 

{{  An,i  gr.  '•.))  ill  ail  the  the     , 
"  Grant  vifits  of  t 

"  And  1  defrre  no  more." 

L01  tiles  to  5. 

chapel,  ami  me  r  G'.  <S.  My  fpirit  was  n 

united  to  him,  and  our  meet  in. 
We  had 
tion,  and  I  was  much  comforted  arn 

Monday  6.     I  moved  on  towards  our  ana 
ly   meeting;  but  in  fording  AL  herring  rive- . 

p  as  ahnoii  to    iv.  . 
and  carriage.      On  Tuefday  our  quarterly 
began,  at    which   there  might  be   feven 

le.      What   great    things     hath    the    Lord 
wrought   for   the  inhabitants  of  Virginia  !  i 
numbers  of  them   mdiufeli  a  defire  tg  \ 

for  their  fouls.      At  this  n  we  admit- 

ted  F.   P.   T.    F.    and    J.  H—y  as    I 
..hers.      I  had  gre;  1  uo:i  in  | 

both  Tu.  by,    an 

nanner  and  matter  of  the  C 
tiam-'  -  love-feaft ;  having  a  cov- 

refpondent  witcefs  of  the  fame  in  my  own  bi 

Thui 
R 


(     *94     ) 

Thurfday  9.  Spent  this  day  profitably  and 
comfortably  with  brother  G.  5.  Happy  are  they 
who  can  open  their  minds  freely  to  each  other,  as 
we  have  done. 

Friday  10.  I  preached  at  B.  J.'s,  and  the 
power  of  the  Lord  was  prefent, melting  the  hearts 
of  the  audience  ;  and  in  clafs-meeting  both  be- 
lievers and  penitents  were  all  in  tears.  I  have 
now  a  blooming  profpect  of  ufefulnefs,  and  hope 
both  to  do  good  and  get  good.  My  heart  goes 
out  in  grateful  thankfgiving  and  praifes  to 
GOD. 

Lord's-day  12.  Was  much  (hackled  in  my 
ideas,  and  tempted  againft  the  place  and  people, 
while  preaching  at  I.  M.'s.  But  on  Monday  I 
found  an  attentive,  feeling  people  at  /.  J.'s.  The 
preaching  appeared  to  be  very  feafonable,  as  the 
Baptifts  are  creeping  in  amongft  our  focieties  in 
thcfe  parts.  My  foul  po-flfefles  more  and  more  of 
the  divine  life  and  love,  and  is  ftrongly  bound  to 
Jefus  Chrift  my  Lord.  But  ftill  I  hunger  and 
third  for  more  of  the  grace  of  GOD. 

Tuefday  14.  Preached  at  Mr.  C.'s  and  Mr. 
B.'s,  and  met  with  a  few  inquifitive  people.  It 
is  a  juft  obfervation,  that  thofe  matters  which  are 
the  leaft  difputed  in  religion,  are  the  molt  elTen- 
tial  ;  and  thofe  whp  are  moil  fond  of  controvert- 
ed trifles  have  the  leaft  real  religion  Satan  will 
help  us  to  the  (hell,  if  we  will  be  fatisfied  with- 
out the  kernel. 

Wednefday  15.  The  congregation  at  Mr.  H.'s 
was  but  fmall  \  though  I  hope  it  was  not  labour 
in  vain.  The  next  cay  there  was  a  good  profpect 
at  Mr.  .F.'s,  and  a  clafs  of  about  fifty  Ample, 
faithful  fouls.  The  word  was  bleifed  on  Friday  at 
friend  S.'s,  and  on  Saturday  1  came  to  S.  TVs,  a 
■ferious,  icnhbie  man. 

Lord's-day 


(     *05     ) 

Lord's-day  20.  I  began  and  ended  the  day 
with  GOD.  I  had  much  liberty  at  the  chapel, 
in  difcourfing  on  the  iubject- matter,  manner,  and 
end  of  the  apoitles'  preaching. 

Monday  21.  My  foul  is  pure  and  peaceful; 
and  bled  with  a  more  folic!  fenfe  of  GOD  than 
heretofore.  At  V.  W.'s  we  had  a  blcfllngboth  in 
preaching  and  clafs-meeting. 

Wcdnefday  23.  After  preaching  I  met  with 
brother  /.  L.  and  Mr.  K.  who  were  en  their  way 
to  Portfmcuthy  but  could  not  pafs  the  guards. 
Lord,  help  thy  people  to  redeem  their  time,  for 
the  days  are  evil  !  I  fee  the  neceihty  of  living  to 
',  and  improving  our  prefent  privileges. 

Thurfday  24.  My  foul  was  bleft  with  a  de- 
lightful fenfe  of  the  goodnefsof  GOD  this  morn- 
ing :  and  after  I  had  preached  at  //-Vs,  brother 
R.  L.  gave  an  exhortation.  Then  rode  to  F.  S.'s, 
anil  went  to  bed  with  a  fever  on  me  ;  and  in  the 
naorning  felt  fo  much  pain  that  I  thought  of  not 
going  to  the  court-houfe.  However,  I  went  and 
found  a  large  congregation,  and  believe  it  was  a 
profitable  feafon.  Thus  we  fee  the  propriety  of 
dragging  a  feeble  body  to  duty,  as  far  as  it  can 
b^ar  :  and  if  there  be  a  willing  and  fmcere  mind, 
GOD  will  either  give  us  ftreno;th  for  a  profitable 
performance  of  duty,  or  accept  of  what  we  are 
able  to  do.  At  this  time  the  Lord  rewarded  my 
weak  endeavours  with  liberty,  power,  and  confo- 
lation.  So  I  kept  on  my  way  and  preached  the 
next  day  at  B.  S.'s,  and  on  the  Lord's-day  at  /. 
Af,'s  to  about  four  hundred  fouls  ;  where  one 
perfon  was  (truck  with  convutlive  (bakings.  Af- 
ter preaching  at  L.'s  on  Monday,  I  met  the  clafs, 
but  had  not  a  fatisfaclory  confidence  in  the  tef- 
timony  of  fome  of  the  members.  My  own  foul 
was  in  a  comfortable  frame,  and  felt  a  ftrong  de- 
fire 


(     196     ) 

fire  to  glorify  GOD  more  than  ever.  My  mind 
wasalfo  ftrongly  impreflcd  with  adefire,  to  warn 
and  far  up  the  people  to  work  cut  their  falva- 
tion,  in  thefe  dangerous  and  difficult  times. 

Tuefday  28.  The  rain  detained  me  in  the 
hcufe,  to  hold  clofe  and  fweet  communion  with 
my  GOD.  But  the  next  day  I  found  many  col- 
lected at  Mr,  B.ys.  Here  Mrs.  J—  t  met  me,  and 
entreated  me  to  go  into  their  parifn.  Purfued  my 
way  on  Thurfday  to  Mr.  P — m's,  and  found  an 
unsettled  fcciety.  And  on  Friday  preached  to  a 
dry  congregation  at  Mr.  P.'s,  and  the  next  day 
went  en  loPeterjhurgh.  Here  I  was  unexpected- 
ly pleafed  with  the  fight  of  fome  of  my  friends 
from  Ncrfo/k.  I  preached  twice  in  Peterjbui'gb 
on  the  Lcrd's-day,  and  though  many  of  the  peo- 
:emed,  like  Gallic?,  to  care  for  none  of  thofe 
things*  yet  I  hope  there  will  he  feme  faithful 
fouls  found  here. 

rday  December  4.  I  am  frequently  check- 
ing myftlf  for  the  want  of  more  folemnity  in  my 
convention,  but  ftiil  my  heart  is  with  the 
Lord. 

'•<  In  the  heavenly  Lamb 
"  Thrice  happy  I  am, 
(i  And  my    heart    doth   rejoice    at  the  found  cf 
his  name." 

Preached  at  I.  i?.'s  on  Tuefday,  and  rode  in 
company  with  a  few  friends  to  G.  i?.'s,  and 
preached  in  the  evening.  We  had  a  melting 
time  in  preaching  the  next  day,  but  efpecially  in 
the  chiiV- meeting.  Satan  ftill  a  (Faults  me  with 
his  temptations,  but  the  Lord  is  on  my  right  hand, 
that  1  may  not  be  moved,  if  I  trud  in  him.  We 
mult  e.vpecr.  to   be  tempted,  as    our  Lord  was, 

while 


(     T97     ) 

phiie  we  are  within  the  reach  of  the  fallen  fpi- 
i  but  it  is  our  duty  to  keep  ourfelves  that  the 
wicked  one  touch  us  not.  And  if  we  yield  in 
the  Jcaft  degree,  even  in  defire  or  temper,  we  muft 
expect  to  farter  for  it. 

Thurfday  7.  I  faw  brother  /  K.  whofe  heart 
fecms  to  be  yet  in  tl>e  work  of  GOD.  We  had  a 
good  time  to-day  at  T.sl.'s,  both  in  preaching  and 
clafs-mceting.  My  foul  reiteth  in  the  love  of 
GOD  \  and  all  my  powers  are  engaged  to  do  his 
will.  I  alfo  found  my  foul  devoted  to  GOD  in 
faith  and  prayer,  the  next  day.  And  after  preach- 
ing at  F.  A.'$t  met  the  fociety  which  confided 
chiefly  of  penitents. 

Saturday  9.  Found  a  few  fimple  fouls  at  Mr. 
jB.'s,  and  we  were  comforted  together.  A  man 
came  to  the  houfe  at  night,  afked  for  me,  gave  a 
curfe,  and  went  away. 

Lord's-day  1  o.  Rode  to  friend  jL.'s  and  preach- 
ed twice  in  their  new  houfe  30  feet  by  24.  My  own 
heart  was  enlarged,  and  many  of  the  people  were 
moved  and  melted  under  the  word.  We  have  a- 
bout  fixty  perfons  in  fociety  here.  Friend  L.  who 
had  been  ill  for  fome  time,  departed  from  this 
vale  of  woe,  full  of  faith,  and  love,  and  joy,  about 
one  o'clock  on  Monday  morning.  What  a  noble 
and  delightful  employment  is  ours,  to  be  nurfing 
immortal  fouls  forthe  realms  of  eternal  glory.  And 
now  and  then  we  have  the  inexpreifible  comfort 
of  feeing  a  foul  depart  in  peace,  triumphing  over 
the  power  of  death.  Is  there  joy  among  the  an- 
gels of  GOD  over  one  finner  that  repenteth  ;  and 
is  there  not  joy  among  them,  over  one  foul  that 
has  finally  efcaped  thefnareof  the  devil  ?  Doubt- 
lefs  there  is  \  and  we  will  participate  of  their  joy. 
Lord,  help  me  in  all  humility  and  love,  in  all  pu- 
rity and  faithful  obedience,  to  devote  all  mv  davs 
R  2 


(    W    ) 

:e;  that  I  may  finally  join  all  the  glorious 
company-  of  heaven,  and  praife  thee  eternally 
there  ! 

Wedn.efday  13.  I  left  my  circuit  and  cameback 
to  preach  friend  Z.'s  funeral.  There  were  many 
people,  and  a  great  melting  among  them.  But  I 
found  myfelf  very  unwell  at  ni^ht,  through  much 
exercifeyand  went  to  bed  in  a  high  fever.  My 
mind  was  alio  dejected  and  tempted,  fo  that  I 
;  not  had  fuch  a  day  thefe  fix  weeks.  Lord, 
give  me  patience,  that  in  the  midft  of  all  1  may 
poiTefs  my  foul  ! 

Friday  15.     Was    able  to  preach  at  N.  M.'s, 

and  met   with  brother   7.  K.   and    his  wife,  who 

were  married  yefterday.  Found  a  happy  people  at 

.  Iotiday  ;  and  was  great  y  bleiTcdwith 

.cople  on  Tueuiay  at  Mr.  B.'s. 

Wecinefday  20.     I  have    now  been  12  years  a 

J.er,   3  years  in  a  local  capacity,  and  9  years 

in  the  travelling  connexion;   about  4  years  and  8 

ths    in  England,  and    about  4    years  and  4 

months  in  Americh, 

Tharfday  l\.     By   a    miftake  cf  brother  G.'s 

es  to  R.  Jfi'&t  arid  then   had  to  ride 

miles  more   to  O.'s,    and  met  the  people  at 

;.     Being  Chriftmas-day  I  preached 

1  Tmi.  i.    15.    cIhis  is  a  faithful  faying,  and 

t'aticrz,  that  Chvift  Jefus  came  into 

.  Ufave  ftnncrs.  My  fpirit  wa-s  at  liberty, 

ve  were  much  blefied  both  in  preaching  and 

r.     Hitherto  the    Lord  hath   helped 

fou)  and  body,  beyond   my  expecla- 

rfuliy  do  and  fufier  all  his  will, 

and  be  eternally  faved! 

W<  27.     We  have   awful   reports   of 

vrfolk  arid  the  Great-bridge  j  but  I 

•   *  am 


(     J99     ) 

am  at  a  happy  di  ft  a  rice  from  them,  ami  my  Cxtod 

i  ciofe  to  Jefus  Chriil.  And  as  we  know 
what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  I  can  fay  with  St. 
Paul,  For  me  to  live  is  Cbrijl,  bid  to  die  is  gvin. 
id  a  warm  and  lively  fociety  of  about  fifty  fouls 
ar  W,  F.'s,  on  Fhurfday;  but  the  company  was 
fin  nl  at  friend  S.'s  on  Friday. 

Lord's-day  2f.  Being  the  laft  day  of  the  year, 
v/e  held  a  watch-night    at  &  27  s  chapel,  begin- 
ning at  6  and  ending   at   12  o'clock.     It    w. 
profitable  time,    and  we  had  much  of  the  power 
of  GOD. 

Monday-January  1,  1 776.  Iain  now  enter- 
in  a  new  year,  and  am  of  late  conftantly  hap- 
pv,  feeling  my  heart  much  taken  up  with  GOL), 
and  hope  thus  to  live  and  thus  to  die.  Or  if  there 
fhould  be  any  alteration,  may  it  be  for  the  better 
and  not  for  the  worfe  !  This  is  my  earned  defire 
ftnd  prayer  to  GOD. 

"  My  refidue  of  days  or  hours, 

"  Thine,  wholly  thine  fh     • 
"  And   all  my  confecrated  power: 

«*  A  facrihee  to  thee  ; 
"  Till  Jefus  in  tne  clouds  appear 

"  To  faints  on  earth  forgiven, 
"  And  bring  the  grand  fabbatic  year, 

"  The  jubilee  of  heaven." 

On  Wednefday   my  foul  was    in    a  fweet 
bumble  frame,  and  my  heart  was  expanded   I 
in  preaching  and  meeting  the  clafs.     I  retin 
to    O.  M.'s    for  lodging,  and   the   next   day  i 

preaching  fpoke  to  about  thirty  lively  fouls  at 

Wednefday  1%  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  met  m 
friend  i>.'s,  and  gave  me  a  long  narrative  of  a  g 
work  under,  brother  G.  S*  We  held  a  watch-ni 


(       200      ) 

and  Mr.  J.  and  I  flood  about  two  hours  each. 
There  appeared  to  be  a  great  degree  of  divine 
power  amongfl  the  people.  Mr.  J.  accompanied 
me  to  W.  P.'s,  where  I  preached,  and  then  pur- 
sued my  way  to  Mr.  P.'s  in  Chef  erf  eld,  a  good  old 
faint  of  GOD.  The  Lord  was  with  us  there •, 
and  I  afterwards  went  on  to  Peter/burg  ,-  and  was 
glad  to  fee  my  friends,  though  they  were  in  fome 
trouble  about  the  times.  To  the  great  lofs  of  ma- 
ny individuals,  we  are  informed  that  Norfolk,  was 
burnt  by  the  Governor. 

Lord's- day  14.  I  found  myfelf  at  liberty  in 
preaching  in  the  morning,  and  then  went  to  hear 
parfon  H.  who  preached  a  good  fermon.  He 
came  in  the  evening  and  heard  me  preach  on  the 
jubilee,  Lev.  xxiv.  9,  10.  Brother  G,  S.  then 
met  the  clafs  with  great  animation. 

Monday  15.  We  had  many  people  at  friend 
Z.'b.  I  have  been  reading  Prideaux\  connexions, 
and  my  foul  pofleHes  peace  and  purity  in  Chrift 
my  Redeemer. 

Wednefday  16.  The  Lord  is  gracioufly  work- 
ing on  the  hearts  of  the  people  at  F.  A.'$>  but  the 
Baptifts  endeavour  to  perfuade  the  people  that 
they  have  never  been  baptized.  Like  ghofts  they 
haunt  us  from  place  to  place.  O  the  policy  of 
Sat  n  !  Some  he  urges  to  neglect  the  ordinances 
altogether;  others  he  urges  to  mifunderftand  them, 
or  make  additions  to  them.  Chrift  fpeaking  of 
children,  fays,  Of  fuch  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
But  the  practice  of  the  Baptiils  fays,  They  may 
be  of  the  kingdom  of  glory,  but  they  cannot  be  of 
the  kingdom  of  grace.  But  knowing  that  they 
who  feduce  fouls  mud  anfwer  for  them,  I  fhall 
net  break  my  peace  about  it,  but  leave  them  to 
GOD.  I  look  on  them  as  objects  of  pity,  rather 
than  objects  of  envy  or  contempt.     The  people 

alfb. 


(     ^oi     ) 

alio  appeared  to  be  much  alive,  on  Thurfday,  at 

the  widow  A.'s.    Had  a  bleiTing  in  clafs-meeting, 

d  my  heart  quite  given  up  to  GOD. 

Friday  18.  Thanks  be  to  GOD  for  his  unspeak- 
able love;  my  foul  enjoys  it  in  a  greater  and 
greater  degree.  Many  people  attended  to  hear 
the  word  to-day  at  the  widow  L.'s.  The  fociety 
confided  of  about  fixty  fouls,  who  appeared  to  be 
very  lively  and-fpiritual. 

Lord's-day  20,  It  was  a  powerful  time  while 
I  preached  from  Ifaiah  lxiii.  5.  The  day  of  ven- 
geance is  in  my  heart,  and  the  year  of  my  Redeemed  is 
come.  Brother  J.  who  was  obliged  to  fly  from 
Per  f mouth,  diftreffed  by  the  late  fire,  met  me  here. 
On  Monday  we  were  all  deeply  affected  with  a 
fenfe  of  our  unworthinefs  at  friend  iVs,  while 
!  nurfed  on  the  barren  fig-tree. 

Tuefday  22.  My  foul  was  happy  in  GOD,  and 
tweedy  engaged  in  prayer  and  reading.  Several 
people  were  affected  under  the  word  at  Mr.  L.'s. 

Wednefday  23.     I  received  a   letter  from  Mr. 
T.  R.  informing  me  that  he  had  adminiftered  on 
prother    W.'s  will,  and  defiring  me  to  pay  atten- 
tion to  his  affairs  in  thefe  par--,  and   then  return 
to  Philadelphia  by  the  firft  of  March.      Virginia 
fes  me  in  preference  to  all  other  places  where 
e  been,  but  I    am  willing  to  leave  it   at  the 
if  Providence.     We   were  much  comforted 
together  at  R.  J.'s  on  Thurfday  ;  but  the  the 
of  having  my  mind  taken  up  with  brother   JF.'s 
affairs  giver;  me  fome  concern.      I   want  no  tem- 
pera! bufinefs  of  any  kind. 

Tuefday  29.    The  weather  has  been  very  cell, 

though  I  have  attended  every  place  in  courfe  ;  and 

both  the  people  and  myfeif  have  been  frequently 

d.  I  have  been  reading  Burnet's  hillory  of  his 

own 


(      202      ) 

own  times,  and  am  amazed  at  the  intrigues  of 
courts  and  the  treachery  of  men*  There  is  reafon 
to  fear,  the  fame  caufe  produces  the  fame  effects 
at  this  time.  For  there  is  no  probability  of  peace, 
and  a  great  army  is  expected  from  England  in 
the  fpring.  May  the  Lord  look  upon  us  and 
help  us ! 

Monday  February  5.  Having  attended  the  fe- 
veral  appointments  in  the  way,  I  came  to  S.  T.'sy 
and  met  the  preachers  collected  for  the  quarterly 
meeting.  "With  mutual  affection  and  brotherly 
freedom  we  difcourfed  on  the  things  of  GOD, 
and  were  well  agreed.  After  Mr.  J.  had  preach- 
ed, he  and  Mr.  C.  adminiftered  the  Lord's  flipper. 
There  was  much  holy  warmth  of  fpirit  in  our 
love-feaft.  On  Thurfday  I  intended  to  have  fet 
off  for  Philadelphia,  but  my  horfe  is  lame  ;  fo  I 
muft  patiently  fubmit  to  the  Providence  of  GOD. 
Saturday  ic.  Went  to  0.  M.\  and  had  the 
pleafure  of  feeing  and  encouraging  fome  of  my 
friends  from  Port/mouth. 

Monday  12.  Rode  about  forty  miles  to  Mr, 
jVs.  I  found  him  a  man  of  an  agreeable  fpirit., 
and  had  fome  fatisfaction  in  converfmg  with  him. 
He  has  agreed,  if  convenient,  to  attend  our  next 
conference.  The  people  were  much  affected  at 
White-oak  chapel  on  Friday  ;  and  after  preaching 
1  returned  very  weary  to  Mr.  y.'s.  All  my  defire 
is  for  the  Lord,  and  more  of  his  divine  nature  inr- 
preffed  on  my  foul.  I  long  to  be  loft  and  fwallowed 
up   in   GOD. 

"  My  foul  and  all  its  powers, 
"  Thine,  wholly  thine  (hall  be  ; 

"  All,  all  my  happy  hours 
"  I  confecrate  to  thee  : 

"  Me  to  thine  image  now  reftore, 

"  And  I  (liall  praife  thee  evermore." 

Saturday 


(     2o3     ) 

Saturday  17.  Mr.  J.  went  with  me  to  Capt. 
i?.'s,  and  opened  their  new  chapel  with  a  difcourfe 
from  thefe  words,  Tn  all  places 'where  I  record  my 
name,  I  will  come  and  blefs  thee.  I  fpoke  at  night 
and  we  found  the  Lord  with  us. 

Lord's-day  18.  I  preached  twice  at  Peter/burg, 
The  laft  fubjetr.  was  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus, 
which  ftruck  the  people  with  great  folemnity, 
and  many  feemed  to  feel  the  power  of  GOD.  On 
Monday  there  were  two  Baptift  preachers  amongft 
the  congregation.  After  the  fermon  was  ended, 
they  defired  to  fpeak  with  me.  So  we  converfed 
about  three  hours  on  experimental,  practical,  and 
controverfial  divinity  ;  but  ended  where  we  began. 
I  thank  the  Lord,  my  mind  was  kept  in  peace  and 
coolnefs.  No  doubt  but  Satan  is  very  aclive  in 
promoting  religious  controverfies.  Many  take  a 
controverfial  fpirit  for  the  fpirit  of  religion  ;  while 
others  difpute  away  what  little  religion  they  have. 
Only  by  pride  comeih  contention.  The  ivifdom  that 
cometh  from  above  is  pure  and  peaceable. 

Wednefday  21.  Deep  ferioufnefs  fat  on  the 
.minds  of  the  people  under  the  preaching  at  friend 
Z,.\s.  And  my  preaching  for  five  times  together 
has  been  attended  with  bleffed  effects.  But  let  all 
the  glory  be  given  to  GOD  !  I  am  only  as  the 
pen  in  the  hand  of  a  writer.  My  foul  longs  for 
more  fpirituality,  and  to  be  totally  dedicated  to 
GOD. 

Friday  23.  I  fet  off  for  Philadelphia  ;  and  af- 
ter meeting  with  various  occurrences,  heavy  rains, 
and  much  fatigue,  reached  Leejburg  onThurfday 
March  1  ft.  On  Friday  my  foul  feemed  to  fix 
again  on  its  centre,  from  which  it  had  been  mea- 
furably  removed  by  a  variety  of  difficulties,  and 
found  fweet  peace  with  GOD.  A  company  of 
lively  people  attended  the  word  at  T.  Ah,  where 

I  met 


(     *°4     ) 

I  met  with  brother  W.  W.  The  attention  of  the' 
audience  was  alfo  much  engaged  on  the  Lord's| 
day  at  the  court-houfe,  while  I  difcourfed  with 
great  affection  and  clearnefs  of  ideas.  I  afterwards 
vifited  a  poor  unhappy  man  imprifoned  for  mur- 
der, but  found  him  very  ignorant ;  though  he 
was  brought  under  fome  concern  before  we*  part- 
ed. Left  Leejhurg  on  Monday  4,  and  by  the  good 
Providence  of  GOD,  arrived  fafe  at  Baltimore  on 
Thurfday;  but  found  the  people  greatly  alarmed 
by  the  report  of  a  man-of-war  being  near.  Many 
of  the  inhabitants  were  moving  out  of  town.  Bro- 
ther IV.  preached  in  the  evening. 

Thurfday  7.  My  heart  mounts  heavenward  on 
wings  of  ftrong  defire  for  more  of  GOD  ;  and  the 
;e  of  GOD  which  paffeth  aii  underftanding 
keepeth  my  fpirit  in  his  knowledge  and  love. 
Here  I  met  with  brother  R.  and  found  him  under 
fome  exerciies  of  mind  towards  Mr.  T.  R.  How- 
ever, the  temptation  was  removed  before  we  part- 
ed. On  Friday  the  town  was  all  in  commotion. 
It  was  reported  that  the  man-of-war  was  in  the 
river,  which  excited  the  ferious  attention  of  all 
the  inhabitants ;  fo  that  fome  were  moving  offj 
while  others  were  getting  under  arms.  Alas  for 
fallen  man  I  He  fears  his  fellow  creatures  whofe 
breath  is  in  their  noftrils,  but  fears  not  him  who 
is  able  to  deftroy  body  and  foul  in  hell.  If  lire 
and  fwcid  at  a  fmall  diftarice  can  fo  alarm  us; 
how  will  poor  impenitent  fmners  be  alarmed, 
when  they  find,  by  woful  experience,  that  they 
mull  drink  the  wine  of  the  wrath  of  GOD,  pour- 
ed out  without  mixture  ? 

Lord's-day    10.     The  congregations  were  but 
fmall,  fo  great  has  the  confternation  been.     But 
I  know  the  Lord  governeth  :he  world  ;  therefore 
thefe   things  mail  not   trouble  me.     I  will   en- 
deavour 


(    **5     ) 

deavour  to  be  ready  for  life   or  death,  fo  that  it* 
death  mould  come,  my  foul  may  joyfully  quit  this 
land  of  forrow,  and  go  to  reft  in  the  embraces  of 
the  blefTed  Jefus.  O  delightful  felicity!  There  is  no 
din  of  war  ;  no  unfriendly  perfecutors  of  piety  5 
no  enchanting  world  with  concealed  deftru&ion; 
no  malevolent  fpirit  to  difturb  our  peace  •,  but  all 
is  purity,  peace  and  joy.     Adapting  my  din. 
to  the    oceafion,  I  preached   this    evening  from 
Ifaiah  i.   19,  20.  If ye  be  willing  and obedient,  ye  flail 
.eat  the  goed  of  the  land.      But  if  ye  refujl  and  r 
ye  Jhall  he  devoured  with  the  J  word  ;  for  the  r. 
of  the  Lord  hath  fpohn  it. 

Monday  IX.     Purfued  my  way  as  far  as 
H.  G.'s,    and  was  treated   with    great    kindnefs. 
May  this  family  evince  that  all  things  are  pohT  1: 
with  GOD  ;  though  their  falvation  mould  be  at- 
tended with  as  much  apparent  difficulty,  a: 
paiTage  of  a  camel   through  the  eye  of  an. 
If  they  prove  faithful   ftewards,     they    will.     I 
preached  here  the  next  day   to  a  large  congrega- 
tion, amongft  wVm  were  fome  of  my  old  friends 
from  the  Forks ;  and  the  Lord  gave  us  a  bid 
together. 

Wednefday  13.     Came  to   J.  Z).'s,  and  found 
his  pious   wife  under  hysterical  complaints, 
full  of  doubts  about  the  Hate  of  her  foul.  Vv 
ed  the  next  day,  at  a  place  by  the  way,  with 
warmth  of  affection,  to  a  considerable  number  of 
people. 

Tuefday  19.  Under  the  divine  protection,  I 
came  fafe  to  Philadelphia,  having  rode  about  ;■:  00 
miles  fince  I  left  itlaft.  But  heaven  is  my  object, 
not  earth.  This  fprings  my  mind,  and  make?  my 
burden  light. 

S  « The 


(     2o6     ) 

"  The  things  eternal  I  purfue, 
(S  A  happinefs  beyond  the  view 

"  Of  thofe  that  bafelypant, 
"  For  things  by  nature  felt  and  feen  : 
"  Their  honours,  wealth,  and  pleafure  mean, 

"  I  neither  have  nor  want." 

Kere  I  met  with  Mr.  T.-R.  in  the  fpirit  of  love; 
and  received  a  full  account  of  what  related  to  the 
unhappy  Mr.  D.  I  alfo  received  an  affectionate 
letter  from  Mr.  Wejley,  and  am  truly  forry  that 
the  venerable  man  ever  dipped  into  the  politics  of 
America.  My  defire  is  to  live  in  love  and  peace 
with  all  men,  to  do  them  no  .harm,  but  all  the 
good  I  can.  However,  it  difcovers  Mr.  Wef.ey's 
confcientious  attachment  to  the  government  un- 
der which  he  lived.  Had  he  been  a  fubject.  of 
America^  no  doubt  but  he  would  have  been  as 
zealous  an  advocate  of  the  American  caufe.  But 
fome  incoufiderate  perfons  have  taken  occafion 
to  cenfure  the  Metkodifls  in  America,  on  account 
pf  Mr.  Wfjlefa  political  fentiments. 

Wednefday  20.  By  the  power  of  GOD  my 
foul  is  kept,  in  the  midft  of  all  company,  fweetly 
repofed  on  Jefus  Chrift.  My  defire  is  with  the 
rn oft  fervent  love,  to  devote  myfelf  to  him,  that 
died  for  me. 

Thurfday  21.  A  perfe<fr,.  calm  pervaded  my 
foul ;  and  I  found  myfelf  at  full  liberty  in  preach- 
ing from  2  Cor.  vi.  2. 

Friday  2  2.  How  changeable  are  all  things 
here,  and  especially  in  thefe  precarious  times; 
but  my  determination  is,  to  call  all  my  care  on 
the  Lord,  and  bear  with  patience  whatfoever  may 
occur.  May  the  Lord  make  me  more  indifferent 
both  towards  perfons  and  things,  and  only  in- 
tent on  doing  his  wilL     On    Saturday  I    vinted 

Mrs. 


(       20-       ) 

Mrs.  M.  above  eighty  years  of  age  and  very  in- 
firm ;  fhe  is  a  friend  to  all  gofpel-preachers,  and 
opens  her  houfe  to  make  them  welcome.  If  (lie 
fhould  at  laft  receive  the  Lord  into  her  heart,  it: 
will  be  well.- 

Lord's-day  24.  Brother  TV.  preached  in  the 
morning.  Mr.  S.  at  the  Epifcopat  church,  was 
very  fevere  upon  die  jjjhiokers')  but  to  little  pur- 
pou.'.  Two  of  their  leading  men,  G.  D.  and  A, 
B.  came  very  kindly  to  fee  Mr.  T.  R. 

Monday  25.  I  had  an  opportunity  of  (peaking 
to  j.  W.  relative  to  his  leaving  the  work  \  and 
lie  manifefted  fame  inclination  to  return, 
foul  was  greatly  bleft  in  meeting  filler  TV.'s  clafs, 
and  all  prefent  feemed  to  partake  of  the  fame 
bieiang. 

M  The  op'ning  heavens  around  me  mine 

"  With  beams  of  facred  blifs, 
"  If  Jcfus  fiews  his  mercy  mine, 

w  And  whifpers  I  am  his." 

Tuefday  26.  My  foul  was  blefled  with  divine 
ferenity  and  confutation.  May  I  ever  be  abl 
Conduct  myfclf  with  evangelical  prudence,  and  fo 
keep  under  my  body,  that  I  may  always  be  the 
temple  of  GOD,  by  his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in 
me.  The  next  day  alfo,  my  foul  enjoyed  the 
fame  delightful  fenfe  of  the  divine  favour,  and 
was  fixed  on  GOD  as  on  its  centre,  though  in  the 
midil  of  tumult.  Glory  to  GOD  !  I  can  leave 
all  the  tittle  affairs  of  this  confuted  world  to  thofe 
men,  to  whofe  province  they  pertain  ;  and  can 
comfortably  go  on  in  my  proper  bufinefs,  of  in- 
fhumentally  faving  my.  own  foul  and  thofe  that 
hear  me. 

Friday 


(     2o8 


Friday  29.  Have  been  gracioufly  affi tied  every 
time  I  have  attempted  to  preach  this  week  ;  and 
found  a  particular  bltiling  to-day,  in  fpeaking  at 
the  funeral  of  fifter  L.  an  old  follower  of  Chrifl. 

Saturday  30.  I  perfuaded  J.  W .  to  decline 
his  thoughts  of  ftudying  and  fettling,  and  return 
to  his  circuit.  We  had  a  powerful  time  in  pray- 
er-meeting this  evening. 

Monday  April  1.  My  foul  panted  after  GOD. 
We  had  a  fudden  and  dreadful  alarm  of  fire, 
which  threatened  a  ftore-houfe,  malt-houfe,  and 
brew-houfe.  It  was  not  extinguifned  without 
great  difficulty,  and  after  much  damage  had  been 
done.  Man  can  neither  defend  his  perfon  nor  his 
property  in  many  cafes,  and  yet  how  unwitting  to 
commit  himfelf  and  his  property,  in  a  proper 
manner,  to  GOD  ! 

Tuefday  April  2.  My  mind  felt  feme  dejec- 
tion, but  my  peace  was  not  interrupted.  Amongffc 
others  in  the  congregation  this  evening,  there  was 
a  woman  of  90  years  of  age.  The  next  day  I 
was  much  employed  in  reading,  and  fevereiy 
tempted  by  Satan,  but  was  kept  from  all  injury, 
by  the  power  of  GOD. 

Friday  5.    I  heard  a  Moravian   preach  ;  but  it 

was    only    an  hiftorical   faith.     And   this   being 

Good  Friday  I  preached  from  thefe  pathetic  words 

of  Chrifl,   Fat her •>  if  it  be  poJJible>  let  this  cup  pafs 

from  me;   tieverthclcfsy   not  as  I  ivi/l,  but  as  thvu 

What    mortal  can    form  any  idea  of  the 

ed  Saviour's  feelings  at  that  time,  when  his 

ly  Was  fo  great  as  to  exprefs  from  his  finlefs 

,   great  drops  of  blood   and   water  !   Was  it 

evei  He;  rd  before,  that  any  man  fweat  blood  ?  If 

Jefus  found  the  pumlhment  due  to  fin  to  be  fo  fe- 

yere,  how  will  poor  finners  themfelves   bear  the 

eternal  damnation  of  hell  ? 

Lord's-day 


(      *©9      ) 

Lord's-day  7.  The   Lord  gracioufly  a  Hi  fled  mc 
in  my  public  exercifes  boih  morning  and  even 
And  en  Monday  my  foul  was   in  a  pure  ant! 
ritual  ft  ate. 

Tuefday  g.  We  had  a  large  congregation, 
and  my  heart  was  greatly  expanded,  while  I 
difcourfed   en   the   cloud  of  r  from  Heb. 

zii.  1.  The  power  of  GOD  was  eminently  dif- 
played  on  the  minds  of  federal  j  and  one  in  par- 
ticular was  (truck  with  deep  conviction. 

Thurfday  11.  My  foul  was  all  on  Itretch  for 
GOD  both  yefterday  and  to-day.  /.  B.  c 
to  fee  me,  and  appeared  to  be  in  fome  diftrefs. 
I  prayed  with  him  more  than  once,  and  he  roar- 
ed out  for  very  anguifh  of  fpirit.  Initead  of  be~ 
ing  furprifed  that  an  awakened  fmner  mould 
weep  and  cry  aloud  for  mercy,  we  ought  to  be 
infinitely  more  furprifed,  that  an  unforgiven  fir.- 
ner  mould  manifeft  but  little  or  no  concern.  I£ 
a  man  expected  to  lofe  ali  his  property,  and  be 
put  to  bodily  torture,  could  he  be  unconcerned? 
But  what  is  all  this  to  the  lois  of  GOD  and  hea- 
ven, and  the  torture  of  unquenchable  fire  ?  Tru- 
ly, if  it  were  not  for  unbelief,  we  {hould  fee 
finners  on  every  fide,  weeping  and  roaring  aloud 
both  day  and  night. 

Saturday  13.  Was  defired  to  vi£t  a  prifoner 
under  fentence  of  death.  I  found  he  was  an 
Engli/bmati)  had  been  an  old  foidier,  and  had 
experienced  the  pardoning  love  of  GOD  in  L\- 
land  about  20  years  ago,  under  Mr.  B.  Thus 
we  fee  that  although  a  foul  has  been  bled  with 
the  favour  of  G'JD,  yet  unfaithfulnefs  mav 
veke  the  Almighty,  to  give  up  fuch  a  perfon  to 
work  all  kinds  of  fin  with  greedinefs.  Then  let 
him  that  jlindeth  take  heed  left  he  fail.  Or 
Lord's-day  my  mind  was  (hut  up  in  preacl 

S  2  and 


(        213       } 

and  I  felt  the  want  of  more  faith  for  Philadel- 
phia. 

Monday  15.  I  am  not  without  a  comfortable 
fenfe  of  the  favour  and  prefence  of  GOD,  but 
labour  under  a  laflitude  of  both  body  and  mind. 
I  went  to  the  gaol  to  vifrt  the  prifoners  again, 
but  could  not  obtain  admittance.  Mrs.  C.  for- 
merly the   wife    of    G.     T #,    attended  our 

clais-mecting  to-day,    and  my  foul  was   much 
bieiTed  amongft  them. 

Tuefday  -<5.  My  heart  was  fweetly  enlarged 
towards  God,  both  in  my  private  exercifes  and 
my  public  preaching.  A  friend  from  New-York 
informed  us,  that  troops  were  railed  and  en- 
trenchments made  in  that  city.-  O  Lord,  we 
are  oppreffed  ;  undertake  for  us.  I  received  a 
letter  from  friend  E.  at  Trenton,  complaining 
I  the  focieties  in  that  circuit  had  been  ne- 
glected by  the  preachers. 

Wednefday  17.     My  foul  loves  GOD  and  all 

kind,  but  I  cannot  pleaie   all    men.     How- 

ever,  my  conference  is  void  of  offence  both  to- 

.       1   GOD   and  toward   man.      On    Thurfday 

we  heard  of  a  fkirmivh  between  the   Philadelphia 

and  the    G/afgow   man-of-war.     What   wiil 

he  the  end  of  thefe   things  ?     Lord,  think  upon 

for  good,  and   fliew.  us   mercy  !     Preaching 

evening,  the  powers  of  my  foul  were  at  full 

ty,  and  I  truft   it   was  made   a   bieiFmg   to 

Friday  19.  Satan  has  been  thrufting  at  me, 
but  by  grace  1  am  (till  kept;  and  my  foul  is  em- 
ployed in  holy  and  heavenly  exercifee,  with  con- 
Rant  and  delightful  communion  with  GOD. 
Oh  !  how  I  long  to  find  every  power  of  foul  and 
one  continual  facrifke  to  GOD  ! 

«  If 


(  2*1  ) 

<£  If  fo  poor  a  worm  as  I 

"  JMay  to  thy  great  glory  live, 

"  All  my  actions  fanclify, 

"  All  my  words  and  thoughts  receive  : 

"  Claim  me  for  thy  fervice  :  claim 

«  All  I  have  and  all  I  am." 

With  great  warmth  of  affection  I  went   through 
the    public   cxercifes   of    the   evening.     Oi. 
Lord's-day  my  foul  was  given  up  to  GOD  ; 
it  appeared  to  be  a  fearching  time  in.  the  public 
congregation. 

mday  22.  I  found  Chrift  in  me  the  hope 
of  glory:  but  felt  a  pleating,  painful  fenfation 
of  fpiritual  hunger  and  thiril  for  more  of  GOD. 
On  Tuefday  I  rode  to  Burlingtir.y  and  on  the 
v.  ;  •-  my  foul  was  filled  with  holy  peace,  and 
toyed  in  heavenly  contemplations:  but  found 
to  my  grief  that  many  had  fo  imbibed  a  martial 
it,  that  they  had  loft  the  fpirit  of  pure  and 
bndefiled  religion.  I  preached  from  Rom.  xiii. 
ii.  but  found  it  was  a  dry  and  barren  time. 
Ami  fome  who  once  ran  well,  now  walk  difor- 
derly.  On  Wednefday  I  rode  to  Trenton ±  and 
found  very  little  there  but  fpiritual  coklnefs  and 
deadnefs.  Had  very  little  liberty  in  preaching 
among  them  ;  thus  has  the  Lord  humbled  me 
amongft  my  people.  But  I  hope,  through  grace, 
to  favc  myfelf,  and  at  leaft  fome  that  hear  me. 

Thurfday  25.  I  rode  about  eleven  miles,  and 
preached  to  a  people  who  were  but  very  little 
moved:  but  at  /.  B.s  the  next  day  there  was 
more  fenfibiiity  amongft  the  congregation:  andj 
though  very  unwell,  I  found  my  heart  warm  and 
expanded  in  preaching  to  them.  It  is  my  pre- 
fent  determination  to  be  moie  faithful  in  (peak- 
ing to  all  that  fall  in  my  way,  about  fpiritual  and 

eternal 


(      212      ) 

eternal  matters.  The  people  were  verj  tender 
at  friend  ^'son  Saturday.  And  on  the  Lord's- 
day  I  fpoke  feelingly  and  pointedly  to  about  300 
fouls  at  the  meeting-houfe.  Afterwards  I  re- 
turned, through  the  rain,  to  Trenton,  and  was 
well  rewarded  in  my  own  foul,  while  preaching 
to  the  congregation  at  night.  I  felt  every  word, 
which  feemed  to  cut  like  a  two-edged  fword, 
and  put  me  in  mind  of  fome  of  my  former  vi- 
iTts.  May  the  Lord  revive  his  work  amongft 
them  again  ;  and  make  the  time  to  come  better 
than  the  former  time  ! 

Monday  29.  Satan  befet  me  with  powerful 
fuggeftions,  itriving  to  perfuade  me  that  I  fhould 
never  conquer  all  my  fpiritual  enemies,  but  be 
overcome  at  laft.  However,  the  Lord  was  nearj 
and  filled  my  foul  with  peace.  Bleffed  Lord,  be 
ever  with  me,  and  fuffer  me  not  to  yield  to  the 
tempter,  no,  not  for  a  moment ! 

Tuefday  30.  Went  about  nine  miles  to  our 
quarterly  meeting  at  Hopewell;  and  we  had 
much  of  the  power  of  GOD  in  our  love-feaft, 
in  which  many  declared  their  experience.  I  lec-r 
tured  in  the  evening  at  2.  i?.'s,  though  very 
weary  :  but  my  heart  is  with  GOD ;  and  I  know 
we  cannot  tire  or  wear  out  in  a  better  caufe. 
On  Wednefday  rode  back  to  Trenton,  where  I 
preached  to  about  a  hundred  fouls,  and  thea 
went  about  thirty  miles  more  to  W.  B.'s. 

Thurfday  May  2.  Some  melted  under  the 
word  at  Mount-Holly,  though  at  firft  they  feem- 
ed inattentive  and  carelefs.  The  grace  of  GOD 
kept  my  fpirit  this  day  in  fweet  ferioufnefs,  with- 
out any  mixture  of  fournefs. 

Saturday  4.  At  New-mills  I  found  brother 
W.  very  bufy  about  his  chapel,  which  is  36  feet 
by  28,  with  a  gallery  15  feet  deep.     I  preached 

in 


(      2*3      ) 

in  it  from  Matt.  vii.  7.  with  fervour  but  not 
with  freedom,  and  returned  to  IV.  B.'s  the  fame 
night. 

Lord's-day  5.  I  preached  at  New-mills  again, 
and  it  was  a  heart -affecting  feafon  :  then  return- 
ed to  Philadelphia ,  but  went  under  a  heavy  gloom 
of  mind,  and  found  my  fpirit  much  dejected  and 

fiiUt  Up. 

Monday  6.  My  mind  was  in  a  diffipated  frame 
to-day:  and  we  were  alarmed  with  a  report  that 
ililps  of  war  were  then  in  the  river.  However, 
I  was  bleffed  in  meeting  a  clafs  at  night.  My 
mind  was  more  compofed  and  comfortable  the 
next  day,  but  not  fo  ipiritual  and  heavenly  as  I 
ilcfirc  it  ihouiu  be. 

"  Come,  Lord,  from  above, 

"  The  mountains  remove, 
'•  O'erturn  all  that  hinders  the  courfe  of  thy  love: 

"  My  bofom  infpire, 

«  Enkindle  the  fire, 
|«  And   wrap   my  whole   foul   in  the   flames  of 
dcfire.M 

Preached  at  night  from  a  text  which  correspond- 
ed with  my  own  feelings — Theft  are  they  which 
came  out  of  tribulation y   &e. 

Wednefday  8.  My  fpirit  is  much  affaulted  by 
Satan,  but  the  Lord  is  my  keeper.  About  ten 
o'clock  to-day  tidings  arrived  that  there  hail  been 
a  fkirmifh  off  CbrijVhuw,  between  thirteen  row- 
galiiv.s  and  the  Roebuck  man-of-war;  that  after 
an  encounter  of  three  or  four  hours,  the  man- 
of-war  withdrew,  as  it  was  thought,  much  (hat- 
tered.  At  this  news  the  inhabitants  of  the  city 
were  all  in  commotion  \  and  the  women  efpeci- 
ally  were  greatly  fhocked.     Lord,   what  a  wc 

is 


(     214     ) 

is  this !     Give  me  wifdom  and  patience,  that  I 
may  ftand  ftill  and  fee  the  falvation  of  GOD. 

Thurfday  9.  My  mind  was  free :  and  in 
meeting  two  claffes  we  had  much  of  the  folemn 
power  of  GOD.  At  night  I  preached  from  thefd 
words  which  are  fo  applicable  to  the  circum- 
fiances  of  the  people — We  have  no  continuing  ciiv 
here.  Many  people  feemed  to  feel  the  weight  of 
this  divine  truth,  fo  fuitable  to  their  prefent  con- 
dition. 

Friday  10.  My  foul  is  in  fweet  peace;  and  I 
only  want  to  feel  my  heart  continually  flaming 
with  pure  love  to  GOD,  carrying  every  defire 
and  every  thought  towards  heaven.  Brother 
B /arrived  here  to-day,  and  we  are  now  in- 
formed that  fome  men  were  killed  in  the  gallics, 
and  the  man-of-war  was  much  damaged. 

Lord's-day  12.  Divine  grace  aflifted  and 
comforted  me  in  all  the  exercifes  of  the  day. 
And  although  I  fpoke  in  ftrong  and  plain  terms 
at  night,  yet  the  very  foldiers  bore  it  we'll.  But 
the  next  day  I  was  feized  with  a  fevere  chill,  and! 
was  carried  to  my  lodging  very  fick.  I  was  in 
a  heavy  fweat  till  four  o'clock  the  next  morning, 
but  neverthelefs  fet  out  the  next  day,  if  poflible, 
to  reach  the  conference :  and  came  to  Chejhr 
that  night. 

Wednefday  15.  I  am  dill  afflicted,  but  not 
forfaken,  the  Lord  fills  me  with  peace  and  con- 
tioa.  Attempted  to  reach  a  quarterly  meet- 
but  when  I  got  to  the  place  was  obliged  to 
go  to  bed.  Though  the  next  day,  weak  as  I  wasj 
I  went  and  held  a  love-feaft,  and  afterwards 
preached.  And  the  Lord  gave  me  ftrength  in 
my  inward  man. 

Saturday  1 8.  My  poor  frame  is  much  affli&ed 
and  (battered  ;  but   my    mind  is   full   of  divine 

tranquillity. 


(    its    ) 

tranquillity,  ardently  defirous  to  fubmit  to  the 
providence  of  GOD  with  inflexible  patience. 
How  amazing  is  the  goodnefs  of  GOD  !  He 
raifeth  up  the  bell  of  friends,  fuch  as  love  for 
ChrifVs  fake,  to  (hew  the  kindeft  care  for  me  in 
rny  affliction.  In  as  much  as  they  have  done  it 
unto  me,  one  of  the  lead  of  his  fervants,  they 
have  done  it  unto  Chrift.  And  may  he  crown 
their  kindnefs  with  an  eternal  reward.  Was  ve- 
ry unwell  all  the  Lord's-day,  but  my  great  defire 
to  be  at  conference,  induced  me  to  make  an  at- 
tempt, on  Monday,  to  travel.  But  by  the  time 
I  had  rode  three  miles,  I  found  if  I  travelled,  it 
would  be  at  the  hazard  of  my  life  :  and  was 
therefore  obliged  to  decline  it,  though  the  disap- 
pointment was  very  great.  Let  it  be,  Lord,  not 
as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt  !  Brother  IV.  went  to 
Quaker  meeting,  and  began  to  fpeak  ;  but  feme 
of  the  Friends  defired  him  to  fit  down. 

Tuefday  22.  My  diforder  feemed  to  be  broken  ; 
but  I  was  taken  with  a  bleeding;  at  the  nofe.  The 
devil  ft  ill  bends  his  bow,  and  makes  ready  his 
arrows  on  the  firing ;  but  the  Lord  fufTers  him 
-not  to  wound  me. 

Thurfday  24.  Vifited  Mrs.  G.  an  old  difci- 
ple  of  Mr.  Whitefield's  ;  but  now  (he  entertains  the 
Methodijis.  And  on  the  Lord's-day  I  ventured 
to  preach  to  a  fmall  company  of  people- 
Monday  28.  Expecting  the  preachers  were  on 
their  return  from  the  conference,  I  appointed 
preaching  at  my  lodgings,  but  had  to  preach  my- 
ftlf,  to  a  fmall,  attentive,  tender  company,  and 
felt  much  quickened  in  my  own  foul.  At  night 
brother  R.  arrived  and  informed  me  that  I  was 
appointed  for  Baltimore  :  to  which  I  cheerfully 
fubmit,  though  it  feems  to  be  againfl  my  bodily 
health. 

Wednefday 


(      216      ) 

Wednefday  29.  My  whole  foul  is  devoted  to 
GOD,  and  defires  nothing  but  more  of  him. 
Brother  R.  and  I  both  fpoke  to  the  congregation 
collected  at  night,  and  the  power  of  GOD  was 
eminently prefent.  On  Thurfday  I  wrote  a  let- 
ter to  Mrs.  W.  who  has  departed  from  GOD, 
and  feel  great  hopes  it  may  be  the  means  of  re- 
ftoring  her. 

Friday  31.  Though  far  from  being  in  a  good 
ftate  of  health,  I  fet  off  for  my  appointment, 
and  reached  /.  D — nis  at  night. 

Lord's-day  June  2.  Went  to  the  chapel,  and 
preached  after  brother  5.  £.  and  the  people  ap- 
peared to  be  deeply  aifecled.  But  brother  S* 
does  not  feem  to  enter  into  the  Methodift  plan 
of  preaching.  He  ufes  a  few  pompous,  fwelling 
"words,  which  pafs  for  fomething  great  with 
{hort-nghted  people  ;  but  are  not  calculated  to  do 
them  much  fpiritual  good.  On  Monday  my  foul 
enjoyed  the  peace  of  GOD  ;  but  I  am  frequently 
r.ihamed  before  the  Lord,  for  indulging  too  great 
a  flow  of  fpirits  in  the  company  of  my  friends. 
Though  I  purpofe,  through  grace,  to  begin  anew. 
Lord,  fuccour  me  by  thy  mighty  power !  We  had 
a  melting  time  amongit  the  people  on  Monday, 
at  /.  P.% 

Tuefday  4.  Went  to  the  widow  P.'s,  and  af- 
ter I  had  done  preaching,  met  a  fmall  clafs  of 
about  thirteen  fouls  who  appeared  to  be  fincere. 
My  body  is  ftill  very  weak  ;  but  it  is  my  deter- 
mination to  fpend  all  the  little  remains  of  my 
ftrength,  for  GOD,  and  the  falvation  of  precious 
fouls. 

Wednefday  5.  Some  felt  the  word  of  truth 
at  the  wido^  Z?.'s,  while  I  was  mewing  what  it 
is  to  walk  after  the  flefh.  But  there  appears  to 
be  a  general  flatnefs  among.ll  the  members  of  the 

clafs  : 


(      2'7     ) 

elafs  :  they  are  neither  fo  attentive  nor  fo  tenner 
as  they  were  two  years  ago.  Whit  a  pity  !  that 
the  nearer  fouls  approaeh  to  eternity,  tiie  more 
unfit  they  fhould  be  to  enter  into  that  unchangea- 
ble place  ! 

"  Help  me  to  watch  and  ; 

"  And  on  thyfclf  rely  -, 
"  AfTur'd  if  I  my  truft  betray, 

"  I  fhalJ  for  ever  i\ic,y 

Satan  hunts  my  foul  continually,  and  attacks  mff 
at  times  with  the  moll  powerful  temptations  ; 
but  he  does  not  get  any  advantage,  nor  break  my 
peace;  but  on  the  contrary,  drives  me  nearer  to 
my  Almighty  Protector.  And  I  feel  all  my  pow- 
ers more  abundantly  given  up  to  GOD,  to  ferve 
him  with  all  fincerity,  fervency,  and  diligence. 

Thurfday  6.   Was  greatly  blefled  in  meditation 
and  prayer,  on  my    way    to    Mr.  H.   G.'s;   arid, 
there  met  with  my    good  friend  Mr.  P.  R.   and 
his  wife.     The  next  day  my  fpirit  was  in  b 
nefs  through    manifold   temptations.     I    fee 
need   of   always  Handing  fword  in  hand,  againft 
my  adverfary,    the    devil.     Our    Lord   difplayed 
both  great  wifdom  and    great    mercy,    when   he 
commanded   us  to    watch  and    pray     ai.  v. 
May  I  fhew  mercy  on  my  own  foul  by  always  at- 
tending to  this  command  ! 

Lord's-dayo.  Yefcerday  I  preached  with  fo.ne 
fatisfacbion  at  Mr.  G.'s  ;  and  rode  to-day  nbout 
twelve  miles  to  the  Fsrks,  where  I  preached  from 
Col.  i.  28.  and  then  met  part  of  feveral  claries. 
My  feeble  body  was  much  fat  led  with  the  ex- 
ercifes  of  the  day,  but  my  foul  was  delightfully 
taken  up  with  GOD.  On  Monday  the  congrega- 
tion at  A.  G.'s  appeared  as  if  tbey  both  under? 
T  flood 


(     213     ) 

ftood  and  felt  the  two-edged  fword  of  the  woid. 
I  fee  the  need  of  having  my  thoughts  conftantly 
employed  on  the  things  of  GOD  ;  that  no  vacant 
moment  maybe  left  for  Satan  to  fill  up. 

Tuefday  1 1.  Rofe  with  a  deep  fenfe  of  GOD 
reding  en  my  mind,  and  fet  off  for  Mr.  Z.'s, 
which  is  about  twenty  miles  from  the  houfe 
where  I  lodged;  but  by  lofmg  our  way,  we  made 
it  about  thirty  miles,  and  did  not  reach  the  place 
till  about  two  o'clock.  The  Lord  then  rewarded 
me  for  my  toil,  while  I  was  preaching  to  a  feri- 
cus,  tender  people  •,  and  I  afterwards  endeavour- 
ed to  unite  the  fociety,  which  Satan,  by  his  dia- 
bolical wiles,  had  divided.  On  Wednefday  the 
congregation  at  1.  O.'s  were  fo  impenetrable,  that 
neither  promifes  nor  threats  could  move  them,. 
Nor  did  the  people  at  Mr.  W.'s  feem  to  have 
much  more  fenfibility,  though  I  was  greatly  af- 
fected myfelf,  while  preaching  to  them  from  2 
Corinthians  vi.  2.  The  Lord  has  bleiTed  me  of 
late  with  much  afliftance  in  preaching,  and  with 
purity  of  heart. 

Thurfday  13.  Both  the  people  and  myfelf 
were  moved  by  the  word  at  J.  C's.  My  feeble 
frame  is  much  fatigued  with  preaching  twice  a 
day  ;  but  it  mult  drag  on  as  long  as  it  can  ;  for  it 
is  my  meat  and  drink,  yea,  it  is  the  life  of  my 
foul,  to  be  labouring  for  the  fai\*ation  of  mankind. 
I  defhe  nothing  but  GOD,  and  to  fpend  the  re- 
mainder cf  my  fcrength  in  fuffering  and  labour- 
ing for  him.  "Who  .that  knows  GOD,  would  be 
weary  of  fuch  a  mailer  !  And,  who  that  knows 
the  worth  of  fouls,  would  be  weary  of  driving  to 
fave  them  ! 

Saturday  15.  After  preaching  in  the  Dutch 
-churc'  ,  and  meeting  die  cJafs,  I  rode  about  five 
miles,  through  a  heavy  rain,  and  the  wind  was  ia 

powerful 


(     2i9     ) 

powerful  that  it  blew  down  trees,  barns,  and 
houfes  ;  fo  that  it  was  with  difficulty  I  could  urge 
my  way  through  the  woods  ;  but  at  length  came 
fafe  to  the  widow  M.'s3  and  enjoyed  a  comforta- 
ble hour  in  preaching  from  Luke  xiv.  18,  19. 
On  my  coming  to  Baltimore x  I  met  Mr.  J".  R, 
and  heard  him  preach.  On  Monday  I  rode  to 
IV.  R.'s,  where  we  had  a  large  company  of  peo- 
ple, and  among  the  reft  were  two  Baptift  pr< 
ers.     All  this  day  my  foul  was  happy  in   GOD. 

Tuefday  18.  Though  temptations  hung  upon 
my  fpirit,  yet  I  found  myfelf  greatly  enlarged  at 
Mr.  E.%  while  enforcing  thefe  finking  words, 
The  end  of  all  things  is  at  handy  be  ye  therefore  fa- 
her,  watching  unto  prayer.  Returned  on  Wed- 
nefday  to  Baltimore,  and  fpent  fome  time  with 
Mr.  0 — e.  There  are  very  few  with  whom  I  can 
find  fo  much  unity  and  freedom  in  converfation, 
as  with  hrim.  At  night  the  word  was  made  a 
biemng  to  myfelf,  and  no- doubt  to  others,  while 
I  expatiated  on  2  Corinthians  iv.  5.  I  can  re- 
joice in  GOD,  and  caft  all  my  care  upon  him. 

Thurfday  20.  Went  to  N.  iVs,  and  was  fined 
five  pounds  for  preaching  the  gofpel.  But  found 
my  foul  at  liberty  both  in  preaching  and  clafs- 
meeting.  We  then  went  to  IV.  Z.'s,  and  found 
N.  L.   under  uncommon  exercifes  of  mind. 

Saturday  22.  Returned  to  Baltimore ;  and  al- 
though my  peace  is  not  broken,  neither  is  any 
wrong  temper  or  de&re  indulged,  yet  I  lament 
the  want  of  more  fpirituality.  My  fouh  like  the 
rifmg  flame,  would  continually  afcend  to  GOD. 

Lord's-day  23.  After  preaching  at  the  Point% 
I  met  the  c!afs,  and  then  met  the  black  people, 
fome  of  whofe  unhappy  mailers  forbid  their 
coming  for  religious  inftruction.  How  will  the 
Lns  of  oppreluon   anfwer    for    their    conduct, 


(       220      ) 

when  the  great  Proprietor  of  all  fhall  call  them 
to  an  account  !  We  had  a  ferious  audience  in  the 
evening  at  town. 

Monday  24.  Spoke  plainly  on  the  nature  of 
our  fociety,  and  the  neceffity  of  difcipline  ;  which 
perhaps  was  not  very  pleafing  to  feme  who  do 
not  choofe  to  join.  I  told  them  we  could  not, 
would  not,  and  durft  not  allow  any  the  privileges 
of  members,  who  would  not  come  under  the  dif- 
cipline of  the  fociety.  I  defire  to  know  no  man 
after  the  fleib.     My  foul  is  in  peace. 

Tuefdny  25.  /.  F.  who  has  lately  come  from 
Virginia,  gave  me  an  agreeable  account  of  the 
glorious  fpreading  of  the  work  of  GOD,  in  Vir- 
ginia and  North  Carc!i?ia.  The  Lord  is  fulfilling 
his  promifes,  and  pouring  out  his  Holy  Spirit  on 
the  people — Satan  is  (till  bufy  in  his  attempts  to 
,rb,  if  he  cannot  deflroy  me:  but  my  foul 
and  waits,  and  hangs  on  GOD  ;  who 
makes  me  more  than  conqueror  over  all  the  af« 
faults  of  the  enemy.     I  preached  to-day  at   the 

hcufe  of  ,   a  man  who  has  much   talk,   and 

but  little  religion.  The  whole  congregation  ap- 
peared to  be  very  (tupid.  Rode  thence  to  K/§, 
:oin;d  a  Ample-hearted  people.  Here  I  met 
with  poor  M.  who  is  keeping  a  fchool  :  which 
may  perhaps  be  his  lafl  and  beft  fhift. 

dnefday  26.  This  was  a  general  faft  day  ; 
and  my  heart  was  fixed  on  GOD.  I  preached 
at  three  o'clock  at  Mr.  S.'s,  and  the  power  of 
GOD  was  difp'ayed  among  the  poorer  part  of 
the  congregation.  /.  -F.  then  met  the  clafs,  like 
another  C.  6'. 

Thuriday  27.  This  was  a  day  of  trials.  Sa- 
tan drew  my  thoughts  into  a  train  of  reafoning 
on  fubjecls  which  were  out  of  my  reach  •,  for  fe- 
rret things  belong  to  GOD,  but  things  which  are 

revealed 


(      221      ) 

|evealed  belong  to  us   and  our  children.     1 

•:  I  was  foaring  out  of  the  region  of  my  duty, 
I  became  inattentive  to  what  immediately  con-- 
cerned  me,  and  overfetting  my  chaife,  broke  it 
very  much.  Though  blefTed  be  GOD,  my  body 
was  preferved.  May  the  Lord  keep  my  foul 
united  to  himfelf,  as  its  proper  centre  !  How- 
ever, I  was  greatly  blefTed  in  fpeaking  to  the  peo- 
ple -,  and  the  power  of  GOD  reded  on  the  con- 
gregation. 

Friday  28.  Going  to  my  appointment,  iC 
rained  much,  and  I  got  wet,  which  brought  on  a 
fore  throat  and  laid  me  up  till  July  9.  For  the 
greateft  part  of  the  time  I  could  neither  cat, 
drink,  nor  fleep,  till  the  tumour  broke.  But  glo- 
ry to  GOD,  I  poiTeiTed  my  foul  in  patience  un- 
.derthe  whole  of  the  afTiiclion.  Though  my  heart 
complains  of  its  own  ingratitude  to  my  gracious 
Lord,  who  not  onlyfupported  both  foul  and  body- 
under  all  my  trouble,  but  provided  tender  friends, 
who  treated  me  with  the  greateft  afleclion.  As- 
a  kind  father  dealeth  with  an  afflicted  fon,  fo  the 
Lord  dealeth  with  me.  What  ihall  I  render  un- 
to the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  ?  I  will  render 
thankfgiving  and  praife,  and  devote  both  body 
and  foul  to  the  Moil  Fligh.  During  this  afflic- 
tion, my  abode  was  at  Mr.  G.'s. 

I  have  now  come  to  a  determination,  Gcd  wil- 
ling, to  go  to  the  warm  fprings,  and  make  a  trial 
of  them  for  the  recovery  of  my  health  ;  perhaps 
my  ilrength  may  be  thereby  fo  rcftored  for  future 
fcrvices,  that  upon  the  whole  there  may  be  no  lofs 
of  time.  R.  IF.  IK  L.  and  LR  will  fup- 
ply  the  circuit  in  the  mean  time. 

Thurfday  July  u.     My  body  is  in  fome  fmall  • 
meafure  reftored,  and  GOD  himfelf  is  the  por- 
tion of  my  foul.     Wby  he  ever   keep   me  from 
K<  T  2  every 


(    222    y 

every  defire,  which  does  not  directly  or  indirect- 
ly lead  to  himfelf ! 

Saturday  13.  My  heart  has  been  humbled 
and  melted,  under  a  fenfe  of  the  goodnefs  of 
GOD.  This  day  I  fet  out  for  Baltimore  on  my 
way  to  the  fprings  ;  but  by  the  time  I  reached 
the  town  I  felt  a  great  difpoiition  to  wearinefs  lit 
1:1  y  fhattered  frame,  and  my  foul  which  feemed 
to  fympathize  with  the  body,  had  notfuch  a  live- 
iy  and  (leady  fenfe  of  GOD,  as  at  fome  other 
times  ;  though  there  was  no  defire  after  any 
thing  elfe.  1  ventured  to  preach  both  this  even^ 
ing  and  the  next  day  ;  and  humbly  hope  the  word 
was  made  a  bleffing  to  many. 

Monday  15.  We  fet  oir  for  the  fprings.  Mr. 
D.  overtook  us  in  the  evening  ;  and  that  no  op- 
portunity might  be  loft,  I  lectured  at  night  in  the 
tavern  where  we  lodged.  And  both  the  tavern- 
keeper  and  his  wife  appeared  to  have  fome 
thoughts  about  their  fouls.  On  Tuefday  we 
reached  Frederick,  and  collecting  as  many  people 
as  we  could  by  a  fhort  notice,  I  preached  from 
2  Corinthians  vi.  2.  and  found  my  fpirit  at  liber- 
ty. My  body  complains  of  fo  much  travelling, 
for  which  it  is  aim  oft  incompetent.  Bur  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  the  firpport  and  comfort  of 
my  foul.  I  was  thrown  out  of  my  chaife  tire 
next  day,  but  was  providentially  kept  from  being 
much  hurt.  When  we  came  to  Hagerflown% 
it  feemed  as  if  Satan  was  the  chief  ruler  there. 
The  people  were  very  bufy  in  drinking,  fwearing, 
drumming,  &c.  &c.  My  mind  was  disburdened 
and  much  comforted  after  I  had  delivered  myfelf 
from  Mark  i.  16.:  though  it  feemed  to  anfwer 
but  little  purpofe  with  the  people.  It  is  one 
thing  for  the  preacher  to  do  his  duty,  and  ano- 
ther thing  for  the  audience  to  do  theirs. 

Thurfday 


(       223       ) 

Thurfday  18.  After  riding  forty  miles  to- 
day, we  reached  the  fprings  :  and  at  iirft  we 
found  it  difficult  to  obtain  lodgings.  But  after  a 
while  I  procured  a  good  lodging  with  Mr.  M. 
Here  was  work  enough  for  a  preacher,  if  he  de- 
fired  to  be  faithful.  -  My  foul  was  happy  ;  and 
I  felt  myfelf  totally  delivered  from  the  fear  of 
man ;  determined  by  the  grace  of  GOD  to  dif* 
charge  my  duty. 

Friday  19.  My  foul  was  in  peace;  but  the 
burden  of  the  Lord  relied  upon  me.  I  could  not 
be  fatisfied  till  I  declared  to  the  people  their  dan- 
ger and  duty  :  which  I  did  from  Ifaiah  lv.  6,  7. 
They  all  behaved  with  decency,  though  it  is  more 
than  probable  that  fome  of  them  had  enough 
cf  my  preaching. 

Saturday  20.  We  had  a  meeting  in  the  even- 
ing (which  we  intend  to  have  every  evening  at 
Mr.  G.'s  and  Mr.  M.'s  alternately)  for  prayer 
and  exhortation  ;  at  which  about  twenty  people 
attended.  My  fpirit  was  grieved  within  me  at 
the  conduce  of  poor  finners  \  but  in  Jefus  my 
Lord,   I  had  peace. 

Lord's-day  21.  A  church  irrinifter  attended 
the  public  exhortation  in  the  morning  ;  and  in 
the  afternoon  a  diflenting  minifter  preached  from 
thefe  excellent  words,  Believe  in  the  Lord  Jefus 
Chri/?,  and  thou  fi alt  be  faved.  His  difcourfe  was 
very  methodical,  but  dry  and  full  of  academical 
itiffhefs.  It  was  very  unlikely  to  bring  fouls  either 
to  faith  or  repentance,  i  preached  in  the  evening 
from  A  els  xiii.  26.  But  my  fpirit  was  fo  (tarred 
up  within  me,  by  a  defire  that  the  people  who 
were  in  their  houfes  might  hear,  that  by  fpeaking 
too  loud  I  hurt  myfelf.  We  afterwards  had  a 
good  time  in  our  prayer-meeting. 

Mondaj 


(      2-24      ) 

Monday  22.  My  foul  enjoys  fweet  commu- 
nion with  GOD;  but  I  am  obliged  to  exercife 
patience  in  bearing  with  the  manners  of  poor, 
biinded,  hardened  hnners.. 

<c  O  might  they  at  laft  with  for  row  return, 
"  The  pleafures  to  tafte,  for  which  they  were  born  ; 
"  Our  Jefus  receiving,  our  happinefs  prove, 
%i  The  joy  of  believing,  the  heaven  of  love." 

Tuefday  23.  The  peace  of  GOD  abideth 
conftantly  with  me.  I  preached  again  by  the 
fide  of  a  hill,  near  the  bath  ;  and  the  word  had 
a  melting  influence  on  fome  of  the  congregation. 
The  dhTenting  minifter  attended  our  prayer-meet- 
ing in  the  evening,  and  prayed  with  us.  By  the 
bleiling  of  GOD,  my  body  began  to  feel  the  be- 
nefit of  the  waters.  May  the  Lord  blefs  thefe 
means  for  the  entire  reiteration  of  my  health  ! 
and  in  all  my  ways  may  I  acknowledge  him,  and 
ever  ftudy  to  fcrve  him  with  all  I  have,  and  all  I 
am  !  Reading  the  lives  of  Hullekuricti,  WalJIj.,  and 
De  Rentyy  has  had  a  great  tendency  to  quicken 
my  fouL  Our  not  growing  in  grace  is  feldom  for 
the  want  of  knowledge  concerning  our  duty;  but- 
generally  for  want  of  ufing  proper  means  to  bring 
the  knowledge  we  have  into  fniritual  ufe.  Our 
dull  fpirits  muft  have  line  upon  line,  and  precept 
upon  precept. 

Wednesday  24.     The  congregation  was  rather- 
increased  :   many  were  arTedted,  and  one  man  fell 
down.     It  clearly  appears  that  I  am   in -the   line 
of  my  duty,  in  attending  the  iprings  :  there  is  z- 
mamfeft  check  to  the  overflowing  tide  of  immo- 
rality, and  the  prejudices  of  many  people  are  iiv 
a  great  degree  removed.     So  that  I  hope  my  vifit 
to  thiopiuce  will  be  for  the  benefit  of  the  fouls  of 

fdmeJ 


(      "5      ) 

fame,  as  well  as  for  the  benefit  of  my  own  body. 
Though  preaching  in  the  open  air,  to  a  people 
who  are  almofl  ftrangers  to  a  praying  fpirit,  is 
more  difagreeable  to  my  feelings  and  a  much 
greater  crofs,  than  travelling  and  preaching  in  a 
circuit. 

Friday  26.  My  confidence  was  ftrong  in  the 
Lord,  and  accompanied  with  fweet  confolation. 
My  company  and  myfclf  were  quickened  in  our 
own  fouls,  by  a  diligent  ufe  of  the  means  ;  and 
the  hearts  of  feveral  others  were  under  fome  reli- 
gious impreffions.  But  the  zealous  converfation 
and  prayers  of  Mr.  G.  fcem  to  move  and  melt 
the  hearts  of  the  people,  more  than  my  preaching 
does.  Lord,  fend  by  whom  thou  wilt  :  only 
fend  to  the  conviction  and  faWation  of  immortal 
fouls.  I  have  found  both  reproof  and  inftrucHon 
in  reading  the  life  of  Mr.  JValfi.  At  this  time, 
Chi  id  is  ail  in  all  to  me.  My  heart  is  fweetly 
occupied  by  his  gracious  Spirit.  But  alas  !  I  am 
not  watchful  enough,  to  keep  up  the  fpirit  of 
prayer. 

"  The  praying  fpirit  breathe, 

M  The  watching  power  impart  ; 

"  From  all  intangle merits  beneath 
"  Call  off  my  peaceful  heart." 

Saturday  27.  There  were  many  to  hear  the 
word  at  three  o'clock  ;  and  the  Lord  was  with 
us  in  the  evening,  when  we  were  aflembled  for 
prayer  and  exhortation. 

Lord's-day  28.  My  foul  is  kept  in  the  love  of 
GOD,  but  longs  for  an  increafe  of  the  divine 
gift.  The  workers  of  iniquity  are  not  fo  bold  as 
they  were  :  fome  of  them  have  had  convictions, 
but  loll  them.     Others  feem  ftifHy  to  oppofe  the 

influences 


(      226      ) 

influences  of  divine  grace.  Mr.  H.  who  Is  com- 
monly called  the  high  priefl  on  account  of  his 
height,  preached  to-day,  and  I  flood  clerk  for 
him  j  but  he  feemed  much  dafhed,  and  it  was 
with  difficulty  he  proceeded  in  his  difcourfe, 
which  was  very  dry.  While  I  was  preaching 
my  heart  was  drawn  out  in  compaffion  to  the 
people,  and  as  the  word  was  pointedly  applied  to 
their  confciences,  I  believe  fome  good  v/as  done. 
So  much  public  fpeaking  is  almoft  more  than  my 
frame  can  at  prefent  bear,  but  the  Spirit  within 
me  conftraineth  me.  I  feel  indeed  the  want  of 
retirement  in  this  place,  yet  I  make  a  fubilitute 
of  family  exercifes,  and  find  communion  with 
GOD.  My  foul  has  lately  been  much  drawn  out 
towards  GOD  in  reading  the  life  of  Mr.  Brain- 
arc!,  and  longs  to  be  like  him  and  every  other, 
faithful  follower  of  Jefus  Chrill. 

Monday  29.  My  prefent  mode  of  conduct  is 
as  follows — to  read  about  a  hundred  pages  a  day  \ 
ufually  to  pray  in  public  five  times  g.  day  •,  to 
preach  in  the  open  air  every  other  day  ;  and  to 
lecture  in  prayer-meeting  every  evening.  And  if 
it  were  in  my  power,  I  would  do  a  thoufand 
times  as  much  for  fucb  a  gracious  and  blefled 
Mader.  But  in  the  midft  of  all  my  little  em- 
ployments, I  feel  myfelf  as  nothing,  and  Chrill  to 
me  is  all  in  all. 

Tuefday  30.  My  fpirit  was  grieved  to  fee  fo 
little  of  the  fear  of  GOD,  and •  fuch  a  contempt 
of  facred  things  as  appeared  in  many  of  the  people 
in  this  place.  An  enmity  againit  GOD  and  his 
wavs  reigns  in  the  hearts  of  all  the  unawakened, 
from  the  bigheft  to  the  lowed.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
IV.  attended  in  the  congregation  to  hear  the  word 
preached   to-day. 

Wednefdag 


(    "7     ) 

Wednefday  31.  Spent  fome  time  in  the  woods 
alone  with  GOD,  and  found  it  a  peculiar  time 
of  love  and  joy.  O  delightful  employment  !  All 
my  foul  was  centred  in  GOD  !  The  next  day  I 
unexpectedly  met  with  brother  W.  and  while 
preaching  at  3  o'clock  to  an  increased  company, 
the  word  produced  great  ferioufnefs  and  atten- 
tion. And  we  had  a  happy,  powerful  meeting 
in  the  evening  at  Mr  G.'s.  But  my  mind  is  in 
fome  degree  difturbed  by  the  reports  of  battles 
and  {laughters.  It  feems  the  Cherokee  Indians 
have  alfo  begun  to  break  out,  and  the  Engilfi 
(hips  have  been  coafting  to  and  fro,  watching 
for  fome  advantages  ;  but  what  can  they  expert 
to  accomphfh  without  an  army  oi  two  cr  three 
hundred  thoufand  men  ?  And  even  then,  there 
would  be  but  little  profpeel:  of  their  fuccefs.  O 
that  this  difpenfation  might  anfwer  its  proper 
end  !  that  the  people  would  fear  the  Lord,  and 
fincerely  devote  themfelves  to  his  fervice  !  Then, 
no  doubt,  wars  and  bloodfhed  would  ceafe. 

Friday  Auguit  2.     My    foul  was  in  a  fericus, 
folcmn   frame,    but   earneflly  defired  to  be  more 
univerfally  devoted  to  GOD.  Brother  W.  preach- 
ed to-day,   and  feemed  a  little  abafhed  ;  but  the 
Lord  was  with  us  in  our  evening  exercifes.  How 
difficult   it  is    to  be  much  amongft   men  of  the 
world,  and  not  imbibe  their  fpirit  in  a  greater  or 
lefs  degree.  I  am  afraid  my  friends  begin  to  grow 
fomewhat  languid  in   their  Tpirits.     How  watch- 
ful, devout,  and  heavenly  fhould  we  be,  to  keep 
J  up  the  power  of  inward  religion,  #  in  the  midft  of 
I  fuch  a  company   of  finners  of  diverfe  principles 
and  manners  !  For  my  own  part,  I  have  had  caufe 
:  to  lament  the  want  of  mere  watchfulnefs.    Lord, 
;  help  us  to  be  faithful  in  all  things,  to  all  perfons, 
land  in  all  places  ! 

Lord's-day 


<       «S      ) 

Lord's-day  4.  My  heart  was  fixed,  trufting 
in  .the  Lord.  Brother  TV.  preached  much  to  the 
purpofe,  though  there  were  fome  little  inaccura- 
cies in  his  language.  I  preached  in  the  afternoon, 
and  brother  W.  again  at  night,  and  it  appeared  to 
be  a  time  of  power. 

Monday  5.  Having  withdrawn  to  the  woods 
for  the  purpofe  of  felf-examination,  and  pouring 
cut  my  heart  in  prayer  to  GOD,  I  found  myfe.lf 
much  melted.  Glory  to  GOD,  for  a  comfortable 
fenfe  of  the  divine  favour  !  But  alas  !  how  feri- 
ous,  how  folemn  mould  I  be,  when  fo  many  im- 
mortal fouls  on  every  fide  are  polling  down  to 
everlafting  fire ! 

On  Tuefday  but  few  of  the  gentlemen  attended 
to  hear  ;  but  I  was  enabled  to  deliver  my  meflage 
faithfully  and  freely,  and  the  common  people 
heard  me  gladly.  The  next  day  alfo  many  at- 
tended, and  I  hope  my  labour  will  not  be  alto- 
gether in  vain. 

Thurfday  8.  My  heart  was  fweetly  refigned 
to  the  will  of  my  Lord.  I  was  willing  to  do  or 
fuffer  whatfoever  he  might  fee  proper  to  require 
cf  me.  Met  with  a  man  to-day  who  came  from 
a  place  about  eighteen  miles  from  the  fprings. 
He  nererhearda  Methodift  before,  nor  fawone; 
yet  he  appeared  to  be  a  Method'ifi  in  principle,  ex- 
perience, and  practice.  He  was  brought  to  the 
knowledge  of  himfelf  and  of  GOD,  by  the  means 
of  fore  afflictions  of  body,  prayer,  and  reading. 
Thus  we  fee  the  Lord  works  where  and  in  what 
manner  he  pleafes.  My  fpirit  has  been  much 
united  to  the  faithful  people  of  GOD  of  every  de- 
nomination, and  at  this  time  I  felt  a  fpirit  of  uni- 
ty with  Mr.  H.  a  German  minifter,  though  the 
Germans  in  general  who  dwell  in  thefe  parts, 
feem  very  infenfible  to  the  things  of  GOD.     On 

Thurfday 


(       229       ) 

Thurfday  night  we  had  mixed  company  of  Ger- 
mans and  Englft  .«  Mr.  H.  preached  in  German 
and  I  in  Englijh.  Our  exercifes  in  the  evening 
were  as  ufual.  Many  have  been  much  affected 
lately,  under  the  word  which  I  have  delivered 
from  time  to  time  for  GOD. 

Lord's-day  1 1 .  A  fine,  fenfible,  polite  gen- 
tleman delivered  a  difcourle  on  the  new  birth  : 
he  defcribeditby  its  effects,  but  appeared  to  be  at 
n  total  lofs  in  refpect  to  the  manner  in  which  it 
is  wrought.  I  had  fpoke  in  the  morning,  and  in 
the  evening  preached  again,  preiling  religion  on 
.the  young  people  efpecially,  and  (hewing  the  fu- 
perior  advantages  and  fatisfaction  arifing  from 
it  even  in  this  life. 

Monday  12.  I  rode  feventeen  miles  to  fee  a 
faint  indeed — a  woman  confined  to  her  bed  for 
for  fifteen  years,  and  quite  happy  in  the  love  of 
-GOD,  though  (lie  had  never  feen  a  Methodift  or 
any  other  truly  religious  people.  Where  are  the 
free-thinkers  ?  Is  this  prieil-craft  ?  How  can  that 
be  prieft-craft,  which  no  priefl  ever  had  a  hand 
in  ?  No,  this  is  the  effect  of  divine  power  and 
goodnefs  :  and  fo  is  all  real,  heart-felt  religion. 
But  if  poor  impenitent  finners  will  not  give  all 
diligence,  to  know  the  comfort  of  enjoying  reli- 
gion, they  will,  they  mud,  though  much  againft 
their  will,  know,  in  due  time,  the  mifery  of  re- 
jecting it.  After  I  had  preached,  with  fome  di- 
vine aififtance,  to  about  one  hundred  people  col- 
lected from  the  country  parts  around,  we  returned 
and  had  a  comfortable  time  in  our  evening  meet- 
ing. The  houfe  in  which  we  live  at  the  fprings, 
is  not  the  raoft  agreeable  :  the  fize  of  it  is  twenty 
feet  by  fixteen  •,  and  there  are  feven  beds  and 
fixteen  perfofis  therein,  and  fome  noify  children. 
U  So 


(      *3o     ) 

So  I  dwell  amongit  briers  and  thorns  ;  but  my 
foul  is  in  peace. 

Tuefday  13.  I  found  the  parfon  had  been 
encouraging  the  gentlemen  to  oppofe  me,  and 
intimating  that  it  was  very  improper  to  permit 
me  to  preach.  My  foul  is  amongft  lions,  but  the 
GOD  of  Daniel  is  with  me.  I  attempted  to 
preach  in  the  day,  but  my  mind  was  (hut  up  ; 
though  my  fpirit  was  revived  in  the  evening  lec- 
ture. Is  it  flrange  to  fee  a  prieft  conducting  a 
perfecution  againft  the  people  of  GOD  ?  "When 
did  a  perfecution  take  place,  in  which  men  of 
that  character  had  no  hand  ?  But  although  Sa- 
tan may  be  permitted  to  transform  himfelf  into 
an  angel  of  light  for  a  feafon  ;  yet  he  will  not  al- 
ways have  his  own  way  in.  this  matter. 

Thurfday  15.  My  throat  grew  worfe,  and  it 
was  a  rainy  day,  fo  I  was  obliged  to  be  dumb  ; 
but  having  faithfully  declared  to  them,  from  time 
to  time,  the  whole  counfel  of  GOD,  both  in  his 
promifes  and  threatenings,I  felt  myfelf  contented 
as  having  delivered  my  own  foul. 

Friday  16.  My  throat  growing  worfe,  they 
put  a  blifter  behind  my  ear  :  but  my  conscience 
was  pure,  and  I  quietly  Submitted  to  the  will  of 
heaven.  May  the  Lord  keep  me  pure  in  heart, 
and  humble  at  his  feet,  till  he  (hall  make  up  his 
iewels,  and  bring  them  into  his  glorious  pre- 
fence,  where  forrow  and  fighing  ihall  be  done 
away  !  Glory  to  GOD,  nothing  has  lately  broken 
the  peace  of  my  tranquil  bread  ! 

Lord's-day  1 8.  Found  myfelf  better,  and  felt 
a  deiire  to  preach,  which  I  did,  after  having  heard 
parfon  W.  and  found  myfelf  at  liberty  while 
/hewing,  1.  The  natural  (late  of  the  Gentile 
world  :  2.  Their  fpiritual  ftate :  3-  The  means 
and  manner  of  their  change  :  and  laftly,  I  applied 

it 


(   23*   ) 

it  to  the  Chriftian  world,  fo  called,  heathens  in 
their  hearts  and  practices  •,  and  (hewed  how 
vain  it  is  to  fubftitute  heathen  morality,  or  reli- 
gious forms  and  ceremonies  for  true  religion. 
My  friend  Mr.  B*  and  his  wife  from  Port/mouth 
arrived  here  to-day. 

Thurfday  22.  My  foul  has  been  daily  grieved 
by  the  practices  of  poor,  blinded  finners,  but  the 
Lord  has  fupported  and  comforted  me.  J  have 
not  fpared,  but  preached  plainly  and  pointedly 
every  day  this  week  ;  and  to-day  Mr.  S.  a  German 
mniiiler,  went  with  me  about  nine  miles-  to  a 
German  fettlement,  where  we  both  preached  in 
our  proper  tongues. 

Friday  23.  I  had  {o\t\q,  ferious  converfation 
with  a  Quaker,  en  the  fubject  of  the  holy  fcrip- 
tures  as  the  grand  criterion  of  all  inward  and  out- 
ward religion.  But  to  deny  this,  is  to  oppofe  the 
pvefent  dictates  of  the  Holy  Gholt  to  its  former 
dictates  :  which  would  be  a  moji  dangerous  ab- 
furdity.  How  ftrartge,  how  prefumptuous,  to 
exult  the  dignity- of  modern  fpeakers  beyond  that 
of  the  prophets  and  apoftles,  who  fpake  as  they 
were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  have  given 
us  a  fure  word  of  prophecy ;  whereunto  we  do 
well  that  we  take  heed  !  2  Pet.  i.  xix.  But  we 
muft  come  to  the  laiv  and  to  the  teflitmny  :  if  they 
fpeah  not  according  to  this  word,  it  is  becaufe  there  is 
no  light  in  them.  Ifaiah  viii.  20.  We  are  fure 
that  the  facred  icriptures  are  of  GOD  j  and  we 
are  as  fure,  if  any  man  fpeak  contrary  to  them, 
he  is  not  of  GOD. 

Lord's-day  25.  I  have  had  ftrong  confidence 
towards  GOD,  but  my  heart  has  not  been  fo  con- 
ilantly  and  fervently  employed  in  the  fpirit  of 
prayer,  as  it  might  have  been.  After  preaching 
to-day  I  fell  in  with  one  of  the  wildefl  Antincmi- 

ast 


(     *3^     ) 


E 


tfzrj'  I  had  ever  met  with.  He  undertook  to  pro 
that  love  is  not  love  ;  and  faid,  "  they  that  a 
born  of  GOD  do  not  fin  ;  but  that  they  may  fi 
in  all  manner  of  ways,  and  frequently  do  fo."  Bat 
what  was  moil  furprifing,  he  faid,  "  he  valued  not 
my  GOD  and  Chrift  ;  for  they  could  neither  favs 
nor  damn  him."  Such  language  is  enough  to 
make  a  man  fhudder  in  repeating  it. 

Tuefday  27.  Having  taken  my  leave  yefter- 
day,  in  diicourfing  on  the  parable  of  the  fovver,  I 
this  day  turned  my  back  on  the  fprings,  as  tha 
belt  and  the  word  place  that  ever  I  was  in — good 
for  health,  but  moil  injurious  to  religion.  We 
then  rode  about  twenty-five  miles,  and  called  to 
fee  friend  R.  but  had  to  lodge -on  the  boards. 
The  next  day  a  minifter  attended  to  hear  the 
word  at  Dr.  C.'s,  and  gave  us  a  kind  invitation  to 
his  lodging. 

Saturday  31.  I  met  brother  X.  and  brother  F. 
at  Mr.  G.'s.  Thus  hath  the  Lord  preferved  me 
through  various  trials,  and  his  Providence  hath-i 
conducted  me  back  in  fafety.  I  enjoy  more  health, 
and  perhaps  polTefs  more  grace  than  before  I 
went  to  the  fprings.  Now,  O  Lord,  only  make 
and  keep  me  pure  ;  and  let  me  be  wholly  and  on- 
ly thine  !  My  foul  was  enlarged  in  preaching  to- 
day, and  many  were  melted  under  the  word.  I 
it  rove  to  prevail  with  brother  F.  to  go  to  Balti- 
more, but  could  not. 

Lord's-day  September  1.  I  rode  to  Gunpow* 
dtr-neck^and  preached  twice.  My  foul  was  ex- 
ceedingly happy  in  GOD,  both  in  preaching  and- 
meeting  the  clafs  :  as  it  alfo  was  the  next  day  at 
/.  7X's.  But  alas  !  we  hear  of  bloodfhed  and 
flaughter.  Many  immortal  fouls  are  driven,  to 
eternity  by  the  bloodv  fword.  This  is  a  grief  to 
my  foul  I  Lord,  fcatter  them  that  delight  in  war,. 

and 


(     *33     ) 

and  third  for  human  blood  !  It  is  well  for  the 
righteous  that  this  is  not  their  home.  No  :  they 
are  bleffed  with  a  pacific  fpirit,  and  are  bound  for 
a  kingdom  of  peace,  where 

M  No  horrid  alarum  of  war 

"  Shall  break  our  eternal  repofe  ; 
u  No  found  of  the  trumpet  is  there, 

"  Where  Jefus's  Spirit  o'erflows  : 
w  Appeas'd  by  the  charms  of  thy  grace, 

M  We  all  (hail  in  amity  join, 
«   And  kindly  each  other  embrace, 

"  And  love  with  a  paflion  like  thine." 

Friday  6.  Having  been  much  fatigued  by  long 
rides,  and  preaching  and  meeting  clafies  every 
day,  though  for  the  rnoft  part  both  the  people  and 
myfelf  were  much  quickened ;  I  came  to-day  to- 
my  old  and  faithful  friends,  H.  TV.  and  the  peo- 
ple felt  the  two-edged  fword  of  the  word.  Glory 
to  GOD  !  I  find  a  conftant  fenfe  of  his  divine 
love,  though  dill  blame  myfelf  for  being  too  free 
in  converfation  when  amongft  my  friends. 

Lord's-day  8.  The  congregation  at  Buj/j-fo- 
rejl  preaching-houfe,  appeared  to  be  very  infen- 
fible  -,  and  it  feemed  as  if  they  had  oppofed  the 
truth  fo  long,  that  they  could  feel  it  no  more. 
But  at  Deer-creek ,  my  heart  was  warm,  and  the 
people  were  moved.  On  Monday  I  alfo  preach- 
ed twice  •,  but  on  Tuefday  it  feemed  as  if  my  la- 
bour was  too  much  for  my  ftrength.  I  have  fcarce 
had  time  to  enter  a  few  lines  in  my  journal,  but 
have  been  almofl  constantly  employed  in  riding 
from  place  to  place,  and  fpeaking  to  the  peo- 
pie. 

Wednefday   If.     The  people  were  ferious  at 
W.  i?.'s.     Here  I  faw  the  fon  of  the  famous  Dr. 
Uz  F, 


(  m  % 

F.  but  how  unlike  his  father  both  in  refpect.  t© 
grace  and  good  fenfe.  My  foul  now  hangs  on  the 
Lord,  and  dwells  in  the  element  of  purity  *,  de- 
firousof  nothing  but  to  enjoy  more  of  GOD,  and 
to  be  entirely  dedicated  to  his  fervice.  On 
Thurfday  I  found  a  loving,  fimple  people  at  TV 
B*9S}  and  was  comforted  in  meeting  the  ciafs  ; 
though  I  had  been  undefignedly  led  to  reach  be- 
yond their  capacity  in  my  preaching.  Friday  13. 
I  came  to  Mr.  G.'s,  and  met  with  brother  I.  M. 
from  New-York,  who  brought  painful  accounts  of 
bloodfhed  and  flaughter.  On  Saturday  I  felt  un- 
well, and  was  apprehenfive  that  my  return  to 
Baltimore  might  bring  on  my  old  complaints. 
We  had  a -large  company  and  a  refrefhing  feafon 
at  Mr.  G.'s,  where  brother  F,  exhorted  after  I 
had  preached, 

Monday  16.  This  was  an  abafing  feafon- 
My  foul  was  caft  down  and  deeply  humbled,  un- 
der a  ccnfcioufnefs  of  my  fpiritual  wants.  I  did 
not  enjoy  fuch  a  cheerful  fenfe  of  the  divine 
goodnefs  as  at  other  times,  but  ardently  panted- 
for  more  of  the  Spirit  of  Ohrift. 

Tuefday  17.  Both  rich  and  poor  came  out  to 
hear  the  word  at  Elk-ridge ,and  fome  of  the  young 
and  gay  were  made  to  weep.  It  will  be  well  for 
thcni,  if  they  prefer  Jefus  Chrifl  and  his  crofs  ta 
all  the  wealth  and  vanity  of  this  world.  I  went- 
home  with  C.  D.  who  was  once  convinced  of 
iln>  but  has  now  grown  worfe  than  ever.  He 
had  about  forty  fouls  in  his  family,  untaught  as 
the  Indians  in  the  foreft.  They  feem  to  roll  in 
plenty  :  but  there  is  no  peace,  faith  m-y  GOD,  to  the 
-wicked.  At  Mr.  R.'s  on  Wednefday,  we  had  but 
few  to  hear.  But  many  or  few,  it  makes  no  dif- 
ference with  me.  The  Lord  filled  me  with  di- 
vine 


(    *35     ) 

vine  con folation  while  I  was  difpenfing  the  word 
of  life  to  them. 

Friday  20.  Returned  to  Baltimore,  and  found 
that  a  work  which  had  coil  fome  thoufands  of 
pounds,  was  burnt  down.  How  eafily  can  divine 
Providence  (trip  us  of  all  our  earthly  objects. 
Are  not  fuch  occurrences  loud  calls  from  a  gra- 
cious GOD  ?  Lay  not  up  for  your/elves  treafures 
upon  earthy  but  lay  up  ^v  \  yourfelves  treafures  in 
heaven.  I  have  been  much  enlarged  in  preaching, 
and  favoured  with  peculiar  nearnefs  to  GOD  at 
certain  times,  for  this  week  pad  ;  but  have  been 
alfo  forely  tempted  by  the  enemy,  and  found  it 
required  great  exertions  of  faith  and  prayer,  to 
conquer  every  motion.  Glory  to  GOD,  for  his 
grace  bellowed  on  me  through  Jefus  Chrift  !  We 
have  now  feveral  exhorters  railed  up  in  different 
parts  of  the  country.  This  evening  Mr.  R — a 
came  to  town. 

Lord's-day  22.  My  labour  was  great.  I 
preached  twice,  and  met  the  white  people  and  the 
black  people  feparately  at  the  Point  ;  and  after 
preaching  in  town,  met  a  clafs.  All  this  I  could 
fubmit  to  with  cheerfulnefs  ;  but  my  fpirit  was 
grieved  for  the  want  of  more  holinefs,  and  mors 
of  GOD. 

€S  O  grant  that  nothing  in  my  foul 

"  May  dwell,  but  thy  pure  love  alone  ! 

u  O  may  thy  love  polTefs  me  whole  ! 
"  My  joy,  my  treafure,  and  my  crown  ; 

"  Strange  flames  far  from  my  foul  remove  j 

«  My  every  act,  word,  thought,  be  love." 

Monday  23.  My  foul  has  been  much  harafied 
by  Satan  ;  though  I  found  great  freedom  in 
preaching  to  a  number  of  fouls  at  the  Point.  On 

Tuefday. 


{      23*      > 


J 


Tuefday  alio  my  fpiritual  exercifes  were  great  an 
painful  !  Lord,  I  am  opprefTed,  undertake  for 
me  !  Rode  to  Mr.  E.*st  and  found  the  accufer 
of  the  brethren  had  taken  advantage  of  the  fo* 
ciety,  by  tempting  them  one  againft  another. 
But  moft  of  them  and  the  congregation  feemed; 
to  feel  the  power  of  the  word  preached. 

Wednefday  25.  Though  unwell  I  returned  iq 
town,  preached  to  a  la'^  and  ferious  congrega- 
tion; and  endeavoured  to  fecure  in  a  proper 
manner  our  little  building  at  the  Point.  Hav- 
ing preached  at  N.  TVs  on  Thurfday,  I  found 
W.  L.  very  fick  on  Friday,  but  the  fmall  com. 
pany  which  was  collected  for  worfhip,  were 
deeply  affected  under  the  word.  And,  bleiTed 
be  my  all-fufficient  deliverer  !  my  foul  was  in  a 
great  meafure  disburdened  of  its  temptations,  and 
reftored  to  delightful  accefs  to  GOD,  efpecially 
in  the  exercife  of  prayer.  O  my  GOD  !  keep 
me  always  near  to  thee ;  always  humble  and 
watchful  ! 

Saturday  28.  At  Mr.  G/s,  I  met  the  preach- 
ers, /.  M.  and  T.  F.  and  we  had  a  great  melting 
in  public  worfhip  :  my  own  foul  alfo  partook  of 
the  blelTi ng. 

Lord's-day  29.  There  were  five  or  fix  hurr* 
dred  people  at  the  Forks ,  to  whom  I  difcourfed- 
on  the  judgments  of  GOD  ;  and  (hewed  who 
are  the  provoking  caufe  *,  not  religious  people,  ag 
the  ignorant  fay,  but  thofe  who  tranfgrefs  the 
laws  of  GOD  in  defiance  of  his  juftice.  Thus 
it  was  with  the  antediluvians,  with  the  Egyptians^ 
with  the  apoflate  Ifraelites  in  the  wildernefb,  with 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem  after  the  coming  of 
Chrift,  and  thus  it  is  with  us.  After  preaching 
we  held  a  love-feaft,  and  the  power  of  GOD 
wa&prefcnt  with  us»    Then  went  to  Mr.  G — y's 

an<l 


(     237     ) 

and  preached  to  a  large  company  there.  After 
which  I  went  home  with  Mr.  C.  but  found  that 
!niy  labour  was  too  much  for  my  ftrength,  and 
had  brought  on  a  fever. 

Monday  30.  Rode  nine  miles  and  preached 
at  Mr.  M.'s,  then  fix  miles  farther,  and  preached 
and  met  the  fociety  at  Mr.  G — r's  *,  and  the  Lord 
was  with  us.  I  now  find  myfelf  better  both  in 
body  and  mind,  and  know  the  truth  of  our  Lord's 
words,  My  grace  is fujjicierit for  thee. 

Friday  October  4.  Having  travelled  through 
the  barrens, and  preached  at  feveral  places,  I  came 
to  brother  G.'s,  and  met  with  W.  L.  And  after 
preaching  in  a  cold,  open  houfe,  I  rode  to  Mr. 
i?.'s,  and  was  happy  in  the  company  of  my  good 
friends.  On  Saturday  I  lodged  at  the  houfe  of 
N.  J.  a  happy,  fimple  foul,  the  glory  of  this  fa- 
mily. 

LordVday  6.  We  had  a  great  meeting  at  the 
"widow  A/.'s.  I  preached  at  eleven  o'clock  to 
fix  or  feven  hundred  fouls  ;  and  then  we  held  a 
love-feaft,  in  which  many  fpoke  of  the  goodnefs 
of  GOD.  We  had  five  or  fix  preachers  and  ex- 
porters y  fo  we  alfo  held  a  watch-night  from  fix 
o'clock  till  ten.  And  I  felt  as  if  it  would  have 
been  no  burden  to  have  tarried  in  religious  exer- 
cifes  all  the  night.  The  next  evening  likewife 
we  had  a  very  folemn  watch-night  at  W.  R's. 

Wednefday  9.  Having  received  a  letter  from 
Mrs.  M.  of  Middle- river-neck^  requeuing  me  to 
go  and  preach  a  funeral  fermon  at  the  burial  of 
her  filler,  I  fet  out  this  morning  in  compliance 
with  her  requeft.  We  found  k  a  ferioits,  awful 
feafon  :  and  after  all  was  over,  (lie  offered  me 
Some  money  j  but  being  in  a  place  where  I  could 
receive  my  fix  pounds  per  quarter,  which  was 
fuf&cient  for  keeping  me  in  cloaths  and  a  horfe* 

I  thankiullj 


(      238     ) 

I  thankfully  refufed  to  take  it.  She  was  capable 
of  making  an  excellent,  ufeful  Chriftian,  and  ap- 
peared to  be  under  religious  impreflions. 

Thurfday  10.  At  the  head  of  the  river  I 
found  a  few  poor,  cold-hearted,  contentious  peo- 
ple :  but  in  the  time  of  my  preaching  from  Gala- 
tians  v.  24,  25.  mod  of  them  feemed  much  af- 
fected. 

Saturday  1 2.  At  Mr.  G.'s  I  met  brother  R — v, 
who  was  juft  recovering  from  a  late  illnefs  ;  and 
the  next  day  we  rode  in  company  to  the  Point , 
where  he  preached  a  very  profitable  fermon  :  and 
the  Lord  applied  the  word  to  the  hearts  of  the 
people,  while  1  preached  at  night  in  town. 

Monday  14.  My  foul  enjoyed  the  peace  of 
GOD  which  paffeth  all  understanding.  Mr.  R* 
went  with  me  to  T.  J-V.'s,  and  as  he  was  unwell 
it  fell  on  me  to  preach.  I  was  greatly  drawn  out 
in  my  affections  and  ideas  :  and  it  was  a  tender, 
meHngtime.  On  Tuefday  I  preached  with  holy 
warmth  at  Mr.  S.'s,  though  I  had  caught  cold 
and  found  myfelf  much  indifpofed. 

Wednefday  16.  Met  with  brother  W — ey  and 
as  I  found  myfelf  unwell  I  requeued  him  to  take 
my  place  for  a  day,  but  couid  not  prevail  ;  fo  I 
patiently  fubmitted  to  go  on,  and  think  hard  of 
nothing  that  may  occur.  If  Jefus  Chnit  fuffcred 
fo  muchinpurchafing  falvation  for  men,  we  may 
be  willing  to  naffer  a  little  in  carrying  the  glad 
tidings  amongft  them. 

Friday  18.  My  body  continued' unwell,  and 
my  labour  has  been  tirefome  to  t!ae  flefh,  but  my 
foul  has  been  much  bleffed  with  an  uninterrupted 
peace  and  fweet  communion  with  GOD.  This- 
is  the  time  for  fuffering  and  toil,  but  a  rejl  re- 
mained* for  the  people  of  GOD. 

«  And 


(     -39     ) 

<f  And  what  are  all  my  fufFrings  here, 
"  If,  Lord,  thou  count'ft  me  meet 

<Q  With  thy  enraptur'd  hoft  t'  appear, 
"  And  worfhip  at  thy  feet." 

I  went  to  the  Point  and  delivered  my  mefiage  to 
the  congregation  with  much  freedom.  But  the 
next  day  my  fpirit  was  grieved  to  find  that  the 
love  of  fome  was  waxing  cold.  When  Chrift 
Cometh,  will  he  find  faith  on  the  earth  ?  What 
an  ungrateful  creature  is  man  !  to  taft.e  and  fee 
that  the  Lord  is  good,  and  then  turn  again  to 
folly  ! 

Lord's-day  20.  My  fpirit  was  much  ref:efhed 
in  preaching  and  meeting  the  little  flock  at  the 
Point ;  and  while  I  was  preaching  with  peculiar 
fympathy  in  town,  a  poor  finner  wr.r  fo  affected 
that  he  groaned  as  in  an  agony.  If  finners  could 
know  as  much  of  hell  as  the  damned  do,  they 
would  both  groan  and  roar  aloud.  It  is  the  blind- 
tiefs  of  their  minds  that  keeps  them  fo  cafy.  On 
Monday  IV.  L.  L  F.  brother  S.  and  myfelf  held 
a  watch-night  at  the  Point ;  and  my  foul  was 
much  quickened,  though  many  of  the  people  ap- 
peared to  be  dull. 

Thurfday  24.  At  the  funeral  of  Mr.  T/s  fon,I 
.preached  to  about  a  thoufand  fouls,  and  gave  him 
fuch  a  character  as  I  thought  he  deferved.  Some 
were  afTedted  ;  but  the  funeral  parade  engaged 
the  attention  of  too  many.  I  fpent  about  three 
liours  in  the  different  exercifes  fuitable  to  the  oc- 
«cafion,  found  myfelf  pure  from  the  blood  of  the 
people,  and  took  nothing  for  my  fervices. 

Friday   25.     Being  a  day  of.  reft  from  public 
exercifes,  I  fpent  it  in   prayer,  meditation,  and 
reading  ;  partly  in  Whitby  $  Notes,  and   partly  in 
the  life  of  So/on,  the  Athenian  philofopher. 

Saturday 


(     Ho    ) 

Saturday  26.  Meeting  with  two  of  the  preach- 
ers, we  took  fweet  counfel  together.  And  after 
I  had  preached  the  next  day  at  Gunpowder-neck, 
we  held  a  love-feaft.  There  was  a  great  melting 
among  the  people,  which  I  hope  will  be  the  firtt 
fruits  of  a  gracious  harveft. 

Monday  28.  The  people  were  too  deftitute 
of  fpiritual  life  at  Mr.  X).'s.  But  I  found  fome 
faithful,  lively  fouls,  the  next  day  at  Sufquehan- 
nah. 

Saturday  November  2.  For  a  few  days  pafl  I 
have  been  varioufly  exercifed  in  preaching  at  dif- 
ferent places.  Some  congregations  were  warm 
and  earned  in  religion  ;  others  were  dull,  and 
feemed  to  have  but  little  relim  for  divine  things. 
To-day  I  came  home  to  H.  WJs,  and  except  the 
time  employed  in  public  and  private  exercifes,  I 
was  taken  up  in  reading  Whitby's  comments.  He 
is  fleady  to  his  purpofe  in  confuting  Socinianifm 
and  Calvinifm. 

Lord's-day  3.  'Truly  my  foul  tuaiteth  upon 
GOD  :  from  him  cometh  my  falvation.  I  know 
they  that  wait  upon  him  (hall  renew  their 
ftrength.  He  hath  drawn  me  by  the  cords  of 
his  love,  and  blefied  me  with  fweet  communion. 
In  preaching  and  meeting  clafs  at  Deer-creek,  I 
felt  fo  much  of  the  worth  of  immortal  fouls  more 
than  ufual,  that  I  feemed  as  one  awaking  out 
of  fleep. 

Tuefday  5.  My  fpiritual  trials  have  been  hea- 
vy, but  the  Lord  fupported  and  gave  me  peace. 
Lord,  fanctify  me  wholly,  and  keep  me  in  the 
dfrft  ! 

Thurfday  7.  Have  read  Whitby  s  firft  volume 
as  far  as  the  end  of  the  a&s.  I  preached  and 
met  clafs  to-day  at  T.  B.'s.  And  the  next  day 
at  the  Forks,  I  found  a  people  that  walk  ciofely 

with 


(     24«      ) 

(rith  GOD.     Leaving   them  for    the  p^ 
went  to  meet  Mr.  7? — /;,  who  was  then  r 
from  his  illncfs.     Oa   the  Lord's-day 

.employed  in  public  e^ercites  at  the  wi 

On  Monday  we    had  a   heart~affe£ting  rii.ie    in 

•prayer-meeting  at  Deer^creeh  :  and  Tuefday  12, 
wc  held  our  quarterly  meeting.     We  had  a 

ifo!emn  time  at  the  love-feaft,  in  which  many 
fpoke  freely  and  feelingly  of  what  GOD  hid 
done  for  their  fouls.     After    the  pn  was 

ended   and  the   temporal  buGin  i  :,   we 

•then  laid  a  plan  for  regulating  the  pabiic  cxer- 
cifes  of  the  local  preachers  ;   and  cone! 

•whole  in  mtich  love  and    good  order.     But  tl 
public  times  interrupt   my  private  devotions  and 
communion  with  GOD.     It  would  be  very  difa- 

fIgreeable  to  live  fo  always.     One  of  the  preachers 

.brought  an  account  of  an  apparition  thai-  ap- 
peared to  a  lad,  and  gave  a  particular  account  of 
being  murdered  by  his  fellow  foldier,  requc 

that  the  lad's  father  might  ledge  an  information 
againft  the  murderer  :  which  w?     done.     I 

'"informed  that   the  American  ami  Englijb  ar 
were  cannonading  within  a  mile  of  each  other, 

-near  New-Rochelie.  How  much  better  would  it 
be  for  mankind,  to  feeh  peace  anct pi'.rfue  it. 

Wednefday  13.     Was    fpent    comfortably   in 

company  with  the  preachers.  We  had  a  public 
meeting,  in  which  we  all  prayed  and  exhorted  : 
e.nd  the  Lord  gave  us  his  blefling.  Brother  K. 
.aid  I  fpenr  Thurfday  at  Mr.  G.'s  ;  and  on  Friday 
-i  went  to  Baltimore. 

Saturday  16.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  applied 
the  word  to  the  hearts  of  the  people,  while  I 
preached  in  town  with  much  animation. 

Lord's-day  17.     It  was   diihcult  to  reach  the 

. hearts  of  the  congregation  at  the  Point.;  but  we 
X  had 


(       242      ) 

•had  great  fatisfa£Hon  in  the  clafs-meeting.  Though 
my  body  was  weak,  and  there  were  fymptoms  of 
a  fever,  yet  I  was  enabled  to  preach  with  fpiri- 
tual  life  and  power  at  night  in  town. 

Monday  1 8.  My  body  was  difordered,  and 
my  fpirit  fenfibly  felt  the  burden  of  the  fleih,; 
but  under  ail  my  weaknefs  and  pains,  my  foul 
was  exceedingly  happy  in  GOD.  On  Tucfday 
I  was  flill  unwell  and  took  a  vomit.  By  Thurs- 
day I  had  got  clear  of  my  fevers,  and  on  Friday 
met  the  preachers  IV.  JV. — W.  L.  and  C.  P» 
But  my  throat  .was  now  fore,  and  my  mind  a  little 
uneafy  on  account  of  the  difappointments  in  the 
circuit. 

Lord's-day  24.  I  felt  unwell,  but  went  to  the 
Point  in  the  morning,  where  my  mind  was  in- 
terrupted by  the  frequent  coming  of  the  people, 
a 1  molt  to  the  very  end  of  the  fermon.  After  the 
preaching  was  over,  I  told  them  I  had  rather  they 
would  flay  at  home,  than  come  in  fuch  an  irregu- 
jar  manner.  The  congregation  were  very  ferious 
in  the  evening  at  town.  But  I  felt  much  ex- 
haufted. 

Monday  25.  My  foul  was  calm  and  comfort- 
able. I  have  applied  myfelf  much  to  reading 
Whitby  ;  but  he  has  fo  much  to  fay  about  differ- 
ent men's  opinions,  that  it  makes  the  labour  of 
reading  him  too  dry  and  tedious.  Now  I  began 
to  read  the  Chriftian  library.  On  Tuefday  intend- 
ed to  go  to  Mr.  2Vs,  ;but  as  there  was  a  heavy 
rain,  1  thought  it  unfafe  to  venture  -fo  foon  after 
my  recovery.  My  foul  has  had  compleat  victory 
over  all  fin,  and  been  bleffed  with  peaceable  and 
calm  fellowship  with  the  Father  and  the  Som 
Thanks  be  to  GOD,  for  his  unfpeakable  gifts  ! 

Wednefday  27.  I  went  to  Mr.  R.'s,  where 
we  held  a  watch-night.     My  ideas   were   much 

contracted 


(     HI     ) 

contracted  In  preaching  •  but  ac  we  had  feveral 
exhorters  prefent,  and  they  all  fpoke.  A  great  part 
of  what  they  fa i d  was  very  fimple,  though  well- 
intended,  no  doubt.  The  fociety  were  greatly- 
neited  at  Mr.  P.'s  on  Thurfday  •,  and  on  Fi 
I  went  to  a  place  of  TV.  TI/.'s  cultivation,  and 
I  found  a  fociety  of  about  30  ferious,  Ready  peo- 
lie. 

Saturday  30.  Returning  to  Baltittorey  Ipreach- 
ed  from  Rom.  viii.  38,  39.  The  congregation 
was  fmall,  but  there  was  power  in  the  word. 
It  was  now  reported  that  the  Brit'ijh  troops  were  on 
their  march  to  Philadelphia,  Troubles  may  be 
at  hand.  But  my  defign  is,  through  grace,  fo  to 
improve  my  time,  as  to  be  always  prepared  for 
the  word.  Poor  tinners  have  caufe  to  tremble 
at  the  approach  of  death  ;  but  even  in  that  dreaded 
hour,  the  righteous  can  rejoice  in  hope  of  the 
gjory  of  GOD. 

Lord's-day  Dec.  I.  Preached  as  ufualbothat 
town  and  Point ;  but  fome  of  the  people  feemed 
deflitute  of  fpiritual  feelings.  There  is  no  fmall 
danger  of  their  being  given  up  to  hardnefs  of  heart. 
If  the  word  preached  does  not  prov*  the  favour 
cf  life  unto  life,  it  will  prove  the  favour  of  death 
unto  death.  So  that  people,  may  hear  the  word 
of  GOD,  and  refill  the  operations  of  his  Spirit,, 
till  they  and  their  feats  have  an  equal  degree  of 
fpiritual  fenfibiiity  when  the  word  of  GOD  is 
is  preached. 

Monday  2.  In  reading  Whitby  on  1  Cor.  iv.  4. 
I.  obferved  thefe  words — "  Here  aifo  note  in  5/. 
"  Paul  another  fenfe  of  j unification  ;  as  it  relates 
f*  to  our  abfolution  from  condemnation,  and  our 
f<  approbation  as  righteous  at  the  lad  day,  which 
"  will  be,  faith  he,  according  to  our  works,  %. 
"  Cor.  v.  10.  and  our  fidelity  in  execution  of  the. 

«  truft* 


(     *44     ) 

"  trufts  committed  tons,  verfe  2."  We  are  com-' 
Branded  to  follow  Jefus  Chi  id.      And  he,  for  the' 
joy  that  was   fet  before  him,   endured  the  crofsj 
fiiig  the  fhame.     So  it  is  our  duty  to  follow  I 
the  example  of  Mofes,  who  had  refpect  unto  the 
recompence  of  reward.     Henee    it  appears,  we 
are  juftified  by    the  merits  of   Chrift,    through 
faith  in  the  day  of  converfion ;  and  by   the  evi-  ' 
denee  of  works  in  the  day  of  judgment.     Happy 
is  the  Christian  who  abounds  with  them  ! 

Tuefday  3.  I  was  informed  that  propofals 
were  in  agitation  for  fettling  Mr.  5 — e,  and  al- 
lowing him  a  maintenance.  But  none  of  thefe 
things  (hall  give  me  muchdiflrefs.  My  foul  quiet- 
ly refteth  in  the  Lord.  I  havefome  defire  to  know 
the  iflue  of  v*hat  relates  to  Philadelphia  at  this 
critical  juncture.  But  there  is  a  GOD  who  o- 
vcr-ruletji  all  thefe  matters. 

Thurfday  5.  My  foul  was  much  enlarged 
to-day  in  preaching  at  N.  iVs.  I  afterwards  went  in 
company  with  Mr.  O.  to  brother  Us.  And  on  Fri- 
day N.P. — IV.  M.  and  myfelf  held  a  watch-night. 
Saturday  I  returned  to  Baltimore >  in  a  fpintual 
frame  of  mind,  and  preached  from  John  viii.  12. 
He  that  falloiucth  me  /hall  not  ivalk  it:  darknejs. 

Lord's-day  8.  My  prefent  practice  is,  to  fet 
apart  about  3  hours  out  of  every  24,  for  private 
prayer  ',  but  Satan  labours  much  to  interrupt  me; 
uevcrtheiefe,  my  foul  enjoys  a  fweetand  peaceful 
nearnefs  to  GOD,  for  the  moft  part,  in  thefe  du- 
ties. I  found  fome  at  the  Point  mourning  for  an 
intereft  in  Jefus  Chrift.  May  the  Lord  whom 
they  feek,  come  fuddenly  into  the  temple  of  their 
difconfolate  hearts ! 

Monday  9.  My  ideas  were  clear  and  my  heart 
was  warm,    while    I  was   treating   on   the    regal 
d  ;-;nity  of  Chrift,  the  nature  of  his  government, 
the  £  aviieges,  of  his  fubjecls.. 


(     245     ) 

Tucfday  10.  With  the  fnow  fall  In  my  face, 
I  fct  out  for  Mr.  TVs.  The  fie  fh  was  reluctant 
for  a  while,  but  was  brought  to  fubmir.  When 
the  mind  is  reeoneiled  to  duties  and  difficulties, 
then  that  which  was  hard  becomes  eafy. 

Thurfday  12.  I  was  greaily  aiTifted  and  bleff- 
ed  in  my  own  foul,  while  preaching  about  two 
hours  at  a  watch-night  at  Mr.  P.'s.  We  have 
main-  alarming  accounts  of  martial  preparation s. 
But  I  leave  the  troubles  of  to-morrow  till  to- 
morrow comes.  My  defirc  is  to  live  more  to 
GOD  to-day  than  yetterday,  and  to  be  more  ho- 
ly this  hour  than  the  laft. 

Lord's-day  15.  The  troubles  of  the  timer. 
feemed  fo  to  engrofs  the  attention  of  the  people, 
that  the  congregation  were  very  dull  while  I 
preached  at  night  in  Baltimore  from  Micah  vi.  9. 
The  Lord's  voice  crieth  unto  the  city,  and  the  man 
of  nvifdom  fjall  fee  thy  name  ;    hear  ye  the  rod,   and 

ivho  hath  appointed  it.      It  feems   Mr.    R n   13 

going  to  New-Tor k. 

Thurfday  9.  Received  a  narrative  of  the 
work  of  GOD  in  Virginia,  written  by  Mr.  J. 
to  be  fent  to  Mr.  Wejhy.  The  Lord  has  been 
difplaying  the  power  of  his  grace  in  a  marvellous 
manner,  through  many  parts  of  Virginia.  An 
extract  of  the  narrative  is  here  fubjoined. 


A  brief  Narrative  of  the  Revival  of  Religion' 
in  Virginia.     In  a  Letter- to  a  Friend, 

Dear  Sir, 


Y 


OU  was  pleafed,  when  in  Virginia;  to  de- 

Gre  a  Narrative  of  the  Work  of  GOD  in 

X  2  thefe 


(     *J«    ) 

thefe  parts.  I  fhall  give  you  matter  of  fadT,  irl 
a  plain,  artlefs  drefsj  relating  only  what  I  have 
myfelf  feen  and  heard,  and  what  I  have  received 
from  men  on  whofe  judgment  and  veracity  I  can 
fully  depend. 

That  you  may  have  a  full  view  of  the  whole,. 
I  mail  go  back  as  far  as  my  fir  ft  fettiement  in 
this  parifh.  Augufl:  29,  1763,  I  was  chofen 
Rector  of  B.  in  the  County  of  D.  in  Virginia. 
Ignorance  of  the  things  of  GOD,  prephanenefs,. 
and  irreligion  then  prevailed  among  ail  ranks  and 
degrees.  So  that  I  doubt  if  even  the  form  of. 
godlinefs  was  t(  be  found,  in  any  one  family  of 
ihis  large  and  populous  parifh.  I  was  a  ilranger 
to  the  people  :  my  doctrines  were  quite  new  to 
|hern  :  and  were  neither  preached  nor  believed 
by  any  other  Clergyman,  fo  far  as  I  could  learn, 
throughout  the  province. 

My  firft  work  was,  to  explain  the  depravity  of 
•jur  nature ;  our  fall  in  Adam,  and  ail  the  evils 
eenfequent  thereon  ;  the  impofiibility  of  being  de- 
livered tram  them  by  any  thing  which  we  could 
do,  and  the  neceflity  of  a  living  faith,  in  order 
to  our  obtaining  help  from  GOD.  While  I  con- 
tinued  to  infill  upon  thefe  truths,  and  on  the  ab* 
Faiute  neceflity  of  being  born  again,  no  imall 
outcry  was  railed  againll  this  way,  as  well  as 
igai  ft  him  that  taught  it.  But  by  the  help  of 
GOD,  I  continued  to  witness  the  fame  both  to 
foiall  and  great. 

The  common  people,  however,  frequented  the 
Church  more  conitantly,  and  in  larger  numbers 
than  ufual.  Some  were  affected  at  times,  fo  as 
to  drop  j  tear.  But  Hill  for  a  year  or  more,  I 
perceived  no  laftrng  effect,  only  a  few  were  not 
altogether  fo  profane  as  before.  I  could  difcover 
rart-felt  convictions  of  fin,  no  deep  or  laft- 


(     247      ) 

jhg  impreflion  of  their  loft  eftate.  Indeed  I  have 
feafon  to  believe  that  fome  have  been  a  good  deal 
alarmed  at  times.  But  they  were  fhy  cf  fpeak- 
ing  to  me  (thiirking  it  would  be  prefumption)  till 
their  convictions  wore  off. 

Bat  in  the  year  1765,  the  power  of  GOD 
was  more  fenfi-bly  felt  by  a  few.  Thefe  were 
conftrained  to  apply  to  me,  and  enquire,  "  What 
they  mult  do  to  be  fayed  :"  And  now  I  began 
to  preach  abroad,  as  well  as  in  private  houfes : 
and  to  meet  little  companies  in  the  evenings,  and 
converfe  freely  on  divine  things.  I  believe  fome 
were  this  year  converted  to  GOD,  and  thence- 
forth the  work  of  GOD  ilowly  went  on. 

The  next  year  I  became  acquainted  with  Mr, 
JII'R.  Rector  of  a  neighbouring  parifh :  and  we 
joined  hand  in  hand  in  the  great  work.  He  la- 
boured much  therein  ;  and  not  in  vain.  A  re- 
markable power  attended  his  preaching,  and  ma- 
ny were  truly  converted  to  GODx  not  only  in  his 
parifti,  but  in  other  parts,  where  he  was  called  to 
labour. 

In  the  years  1770  and  1 77 1,  we  had  a  more 
confiderable  out-pouring  of  the  Spirit,  at  a  place 
in  my  panlh  called  White-Oak.  It  was  here  firft 
I  formed  the  people  into  a  Society,  that  they 
might  affift  and  ftrengthen  each  other.  The 
good  effecls  of  this  were  foon  apparent.  Con- 
victions were  deep  and  lafting :  and  not  only 
knowledge,  but  faith,  and  love,  and  holinefs- 
continually  mcreafed. 

In  the  year  1772,  the  revival  was  more  consi- 
derable, and  extended  itfelf  in  (ome  places,  for 
fifty  or  fixty  miles  round.  It  increafed  dill  more 
in  the  following  year,  and  feveral  finners  were 
truly  converted  to  GOD.  In  Spring,  1774,  it 
was  more  remarkable    than    ever.      The  word 

preached 


(     -4S     ) 


preached  was  attended  with  fucli  energy,  that 
many  were  pierced  to  the  heart.  Tears  fell 
plentifully  from  the  eyes  of  the  hearers,  and 
fome  were  conftrained  to  cry  out.  A  goodly 
number  were  gathered  in  this  year,  both  in  my 
parifh  and  in  many  of  the  neighbouring  coun- 
ties. I  formed  feveral  Societies  out  of  thofb 
which  were  convinced  or  converted  ;  and  I  found 
it  a  happy  means  of  building  up  thofe  that  had 
believed,  and  preventing  the  reft  from  lofing. 
their  convictions. 

In  the  counties  of  Sujftx  and  Brunfwick>  the 
work  from  the  year  1773,  was  chiefly  carried  on 
by  the  labours  of  the  people  called  Methodifls. 
The  firft  of  them  who  appeared  in  thefe  parts  was 
Mr.  R.  W.  who,  you  know,  was  a  plain,  artlefss. 
indefatigable  Preacher  of  the  gofpel :  he  was 
greatly  bleiied  in  detecting. the  hypocrite,  rafing 
falie  foundations,  and  ftirring  believers  up  to 
prefs  after  a  prefent  faivation  from  the  remains 
of  fin.  He  came  to  my  houfe  in  the  month  of 
March,  in  the  year  1773.  The  next  year  others 
of  his  brethren  came,  who  gathered  many  Soci- 
eties both  in  this  neighbourhood,  and  in  other 
places,  as  far  as  North-Carolina.  They  now  be- 
gan to  ride  the  Circuit,  and  to  take  care  of  the 
Societies  already  formed,  which  was  rendered  a. 
happy  means  both  of  deepening  and  fprcading 
the  work  of  GOD. 

I  earneftly  recommended  it  to  my  Societies,  to 
pray  much  for  the  profperity  of  Sion,  and  for  a. 
larger  out-pouring  of  the  Spirit  of  GOD.  They 
did  fo  ;  and  not  in  vain.  We  have  had  a  time 
of  refrelhing  indeed:  a  revival  of  religion,  as 
great  as  perhaps  ever  was  known,  in  country 
places,  in  fo  fhort  a  time.  It  began  in  the  lat- 
ter end  of  the  year  1775  :  but  was.moi 

derabie 


(     249     ) 

Iferable  in  January  1776,  the  beginning  of  the 
brefent  year.  It  broke  out  nearly  at  the  fame 
time,  at  three  places,  not  far  from  each  other. 
Two  of  thefe  places  are  in  my  parifh  •,  the  other 
in  Amelia  County;  which  had  for  many  years 
been  notoiious  for  careleffhefs,  profanenefs,  and 
immoralities  of  all  kinds.  Gaming,  {wearing, 
^nmkennefs,  and  the  like  were  their  delight, 
while  things  facial  were  their  fcorn  and  con- 
tempt.  However,  feme  time  laft  year  one  of 
my  parifh  (now  a  local  Preacher)  appointed  fome 
meetings  among  them,  and  after  a  while,  in- 
duced a  {mail  number  to  join  in  Society.  And 
though  few,  if  any  of  them  were  then  believers, 
yet  this  was  a  means  of  preparing  the  way  of 
the  Lord. 

As  there  were  few  converts  in  my  parifh  the 
lad  year,  I  was  fenilble  a  change  of  Preachers 
was  wanting.  This  has  often  revived  the  work 
©f  GOD  :  and  fo  it  did  at  the  prefent  time.  Laft. 
December,  one  of  the  Methodift  Preachers,  Mr. 
&  preached  feveral  times  at  the  three  places 
above-mentioned.  He  coniirmed  the  doctrine 
I  had  long  preached  :  and  to  many  of  them  not 
in  vain.  And  while  their  ears  were  opened  by 
novelty,  GOD  fet  his  word  home  upon  their 
hearts.  Many  fiuncrs  were  powerfully  convin- 
ced, and  Mercy  !  Mercy  !  was  their  cry.  In  Ja- 
nuary, the  news  of  convictions  and  converfions 
were  common;  and  the  people  of  GOD  were 
illfpired  with  new  life  and  vigour,  by  the  happi*. 
nefs  of  others.  But  in  a  little  time  they  were 
made  thoroughly  fenfible,  that  they  themfelves 
flood  in  need  of  a  deeper  work  in  their  hearts, 
than  they  had  yet  experienced.  And  while  thofe 
were  panting  and  groaning  for  pardon,  thefe 
were  intreating  GOD  with  flrong  cries  and  tears, 

to 


(      250      ) 

to  fave  them  from  the  remains  ol  inbred  fin,  to 
fantlify  them  throughout  in  Jpirit,  foul,  and  body  : 
fo  to  circumcife  their  hearts ,  that  they  might  love 
GOD  with  all  their  heartsy  and  ferve  him  with 
all  their  ftrcngih. 

During  this  whole  winter,  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  was  poured  out  in  a  manner  we  had  not 
feen  before.  In  almoft  every  affembly  might  be 
£ttn  ngnal  instances  of  divine  power;  more 
efpecially  in  the  meetings  of  the  Gaffes.  Here* 
many  old,  (tout-hearted  finners,  felt  the  force  of 
truth,  and  their  eyes  were  opened  to  difcover  their 
guilt  and  danger.  The  making  among  the  dry. 
bones  was  increafed  from  week  to  week  :  nay,, 
fometimes  ten  or  twelve  have  been  deeply  con- 
vinced of  fm  in  one  day.  Some  of  thefe  were 
in  great  diflrefs,  and  when  they  were  queftioned 
concerning  the  Hate  of  their  fouls,,  were  fcarce 
able  to  make  any  reply,  but  by  weeping  and  fal- 
ling on  their  knees,  before  all  the  Oafs,  and 
earneftly  foliciting  the  prayers  of  GOD's  people. 
And  from  time  to  time  he  has  anfwered  thefe  pe- 
titions, fet  the  captives  at  liberty,  and  enabled 
them  to  praife  a  pardoning  GOD>  in  the  midft 
of  his  people,  Numbers  of  old  and  grey-headed,. 
of  middle-aged  perfons,  of  youth,  yea,  of  little 
children,  were  the  fubjects  of  this  work.  Seve- 
ral of  the  latter  we  have  feen  painfully  concerned, 
for  the  wickednefs  of  their  lives,  and  the  cor- 
ruption of  their  nature.  We  have  inftances  of 
this  fort,  from  eight  or  nine  years  old.  Some  of 
thefe  children  are  exceeding  happy  in  the  love  of 
GOD:  and  they  fpeak  of  the  whole  procefs  of 
the  work  of  GOD,  of  their  convictions,  the 
time  when,  and  the  manner  how  they  obtained; 
deliverance,  with  fuch  clearnefs  as  might  con- 

vines 


(     *>'     ) 

L^vince  an  Atheift,  that  this  is  nothing  elfe  but  the 
!  great  power  of  GOD. 

Many  in  thefe  parts  who  had  long  neglected 
the  means  of  grace,  now  flocked  to  hear,  not 
only  me,  and  the  travelling  Preachers,  but  alfo 
the  Exhorters  and  Leaders.  And  the  Lord  (hew- 
ed,  he  is  not  confined  to  man  :  for  whether  there 
was  preaching,  or  not,  his  power  was  dill  fenfi- 
ble  among  the  people.  And  at  their  meetings 
for  prayer,  fome  have  been  in  fuch  diftrefs,  that 
they  have  continued  therein  for  five  or  fix  hours. 
And  it  has  been  found  that  thefe  prayer-meetings 
were  fingularly  ufeful  in  promoting  the  work  of 
GOD. 

The  out-pouring  of  the  Spirit  which  began 
here,  foon  extended  itfelf,  more  or  lefs,  through 
moft  of  the  Circuit,  which  is  regularly  attended 
by  the  travelling  Preachers,  and  which  takes  in 
a  circumference  of  between  four  and  five  hun- 
dred miles.  And  the  work  went  on  with  a  plea- 
ling  progrefs,  till  the  beginning  of  May  ;  when 
they  held  a  Quarterly  Meeting  at  B.'s  Chapel,  in 
my  parifh.  This  ftands  at  the  lower  line  of  the 
parilh,  thirty  miles  from  W.'s  Chapel,  at  the  up- 
per line  of  it,  where  the  work  began.  At  this 
/meeting,  one  might  truly  fay,  the  windows  of 
heaven  were  opened,  and  the  rain  of  Divine  In- 
fluence poured  down  for  more  than  forty  days. 
The  work  now  became  more  deep  than  ever,  ex- 
tended wider,  and  was  fwifter  in  its  operations. 
Many  were  favingly  converted  to  GOD,  and  in 
a  very  fhort  time,  not  only  in  my  parilh,  but 
through  feveral  parts  of  Brunfwick,  S&ffex,  Prince 
.George,  Lunenburg,  Mecklenburg,  and  Amelia 
Counties. 

The  fecond  day  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  a 
JLove-feaft  was  held.     As  foon  as  it  began,  the 

power 


(      252      ) 

power  of  the  X.ord  came  clown  on  the  aflembly, 
like  a  rufhing,  mighty  wind ;  and  it  feemed  as  if 
the  whole  houfe  was  filled  with  the  prefence  of 
GOD.  A  flame  kindled  and  ran  from  heart  to 
heart.  Many  were  deeply  convinced  of  fin;  ma- 
ny mourners  were  filled  with  confolation  :  and 
many  believers  were  fo  overwhelmed  with  love, 
that  they  could  not  doubt  but  GOD  had  enabled 
them  to  love  him  with  all  their  heart. 

When  the  love-feail  was  ended,  the  doors  were 
opened.  Many  who  had  flayed  without,  then 
came  in  :  and  beholding  the  anguifh  of  fome,  and 
the  rejoicing  of  others,  were  filled  with  aftoniih- 
rnent ;  and  not  long  after,  with  trembling  appre- 
henfions  of  their  own  danger.  Several  of  them 
proftrating  themfelves  before  GOD,  cried  aloud 
for  mercy.  And  the  convictions  which  then  be- 
gan in  many,  have  terminated  in  a  happy  and  lad- 
ing change. 

The  multitudes  that  attended  on  this  occafion, 
returning  home  all  alive  to  GOD,  fpread  the 
flame  through  their  refpe&ive  neighbourhoods, 
which  ran  from  family  to  family.  So  that  with- 
in four  weeks,  feveral  hundreds  found  the  peace 
of  GOD.  And  fcarce  any  converfation  was  to 
be  heard  throughout  the  circuit,  but  concerning 
the  things  of  GOD  :  either  the  complainings  of 
the  prifoners,  groaning  under  the  fpirit  of  bond- 
age unto  fear  ;  or  the  rejoicing  of  thofe  whom  the 
Spirit  of  adoption  taught  to  cry,  "  Abba,  Father." 
The  unhappy  difputes  between  England  and  her 
Colonies,  which  juft  before  had  engrofled  all  our 
converfation,  feemed  now  inmoft  companies  to  be 
forgot,  while  things  of  far  greater  importance  lay 
fo  near  the  heart.  I  have  gone  into  many,  and 
not  fmall  companies,  wherein  there  did  not  ap- 
pear to  be  one  carelefs  foul ;  and  the  far  greater 

part 


(    253     ) 

part  feemcd  perfe&ly  happy  ia  a  clear  fenfe  of  tte 
love  of  GOD. 

One  of  the  doctrines,  as  you  know,  which  we 
particularly  infift  upon,  is  that  of  a  prefent  Salva- 
tion ;  a  Salvation  not  only  from  the  guilt  and 
power,  but  alfo  from  the  root  of  fin  :  a  dtanfmg 
nil  fltbinefs  of fiejh  and  fpirity  that  lue  may 
perfecl  holinefs  in  the  fear  of  GOD  :  a  going  on  to 
■perfection  ;  which  we  fome times  c'eiine,  by  fovtttg 
GOD  ivith  all  our  hearts.  Several  who  had  be- 
lieved were  deeply  feufible  cf  their  wont  of  this. 
I  have  feen  both  men  and  women,  who  had  Jonpj 
been  happy  in  a  fenfc  of  GOD's  pardoning  love ; 
ns  much  convicted  on  account  of  the  remains  of 
fin  in  their  hearts,  and  as  much  diftreffed  for  a  to- 
tal deliverance  from  them,  as  ever  I  faw  any  for 
Juflitication.     Their  whole  cry  was, 

"  O  that  I  now  the  reft  might  know  ; 

"  Believe  and  enter  in  ; 
rt  Now,  Saviour,  now,  the  power  bellow, 

"  And  let  me  ceafe  from  fin  !" 

And  I  have  been  prefent,  when  they  believed  (hat 
GOD  anfwered  this  prayer,  and  beftowed  this 
blefiing  upon  them.  I  have  converted  with  them 
feveral  times  fince,  and  have  found  them  thorough- 
ly devoted  to  GOD.  They  all  teftify,  that  they 
have  received  the  gift  inftantaneoufly,  and  by  fim- 
..ple  faith.  We  have  fundry  witnefies  of  this  per- 
fecl: love,  who  are  above  all  fufpicion.  I  have 
known  the  men  and  their  communication  for 
many  years,  and  have  ever  found  them  zealous  for 
the  caufe  of  GOD  :  men  of  fenfe  and  integrity, 
patterns  of  piety  and  humility  ;  whofe  teltimony 
therefore  may  be  depended  on. 

It 
Y 


'(     «S4     ) 

It  has  been  frequently  obferved,  that  there  nev- 
er was  any  remarkable  revival  of  religion,  but  fome 
degree  of  enthufiafm  was  mingled  with  it ;  fom 
wild  fire  mixed  with  the  facred  flame.  It  may  b 
doubted,  whether  this  is  not  unavoidable  in  the 
nature  of  things.  And  notwithstanding  all  the 
care  we  have  taken,  this  work  has  not  been  quite 
free  from  it.  But  it  never  rofe  to  any  confidera- 
b!e  height,  neither  was  of  long  continuance.  In 
fome  meetings  there  have  not  been  that  decency 
and  order  obferved,  which  I  could  have  wifhed, 
»iome  of  our  afTemblies  refembled  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  Jews  at  laying  the  foundation  of  the 
feeond  Temple  in  the  days  of  Ezra.  Some  wept 
lor  grief ;  others  fhouted  for  joy,  fo  that  it  was 
hard,  to  diftinguiih  one  from  the  other.  So  it  was 
here.  The  mourning  and  diitrefs  was  fo  blende 
ed  with  the  voice  of  joy  and  gladnefs,  that  it  was 
hard  to  diftinguiih  the  one  from  the  other,  till  the 
voice  of  Joy  prevailed  :  the  people  {houting  with 
a  great  {hour,  fo  that  it  might  be  heard  afar 
off. 

To  give  you  a  fuller  infight  into  this  great  work 
of  GOD,  I  fubjoin  an  extract  from  two  or  three 
of  my  letters. 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  M<R. 

May  2,  1776. 

Rev.  and  dear  Brother, 

YESTERDAY  I  preached  at  £.'s  chapel,  to  a 
crowded  and  attentive  audience.  Afterwards  the 
Methodtfts  held  their  Love-feaft  :  during  which, 
as  many  as  pleafed,  rofe  one  after  another,  and 
fpoke,  in  few  words,  of  the  goodnefs  of  GOD  to 

their 


(     W     )- 

their  fouls.     Before  three  had   done  {peaking 
though  they  fpoke  but  few  word})   you  might  il\: 
f;folemn  fenfe  of  the  prefence  of  GOD,  vifible  on 
every  countenance,   while  tears  of  forrow  or   joy 
were   flowing  from   many  eyes.     Several  teftified 
the  confolation  they  had  received  :  fome  believed 
they  were  perfected  in  love.     When  the  p;:i 
of  the   people  were  rifing  too  high,  and  breaking 
through  all  reftraint,  the  Preacher  gently  ch  \ 
mem,  by   giving  out   a   few  verfes  of  an  hymn, 
When  moil  of  the  congregation  went  away,  fome 
were  (o  dillreffed  with  a  fenfe  of  their  fins, 
they  could  not  be   perfuaded  to  leave   the   place. 
Some  lively  Chriftians  (taid    with  them,   and  c 
tinued  in  prayer  for  the  fpace  of  two  hours,  ti 
fifteen  mourners  were  enabled  to  rejoice  in  GOD 
their  Saviour.     And  fome   carelefs    creatures  o: 
the  politer  fort,   who  would  needs  go  in,   to  fee 
what  this  ftrange  thing    meant,  felt  an    unufual 
power,  fo  that  like  S<i;//  among  the  prophets,  they 
fell  down  on  their  knees,   and  cried  for  mercy  a- 
piong  the  reit.     O  may  they  dill  continue  to  pray3 
till  GOD  has  given  thei  ./heart  ! 

May  3,    1776. 

Lafl  night,  three  or  fourfcore  of  my  neighbours 

met  together  to  keep  a  Watch-nig] it  :  at  which 
it  is  the  cuftom  to  fpend  three  or  four  hours  in 
religious  exercifes,  and  to  break  up  at  t\T. . 
Such  was  the  diftrefs  of thefe  that  were  convinced 
of  fin,  that  they  continued  in  prayer  all  night, 
and  till  two  hours  after  fun -rife.  Here  alfo  four- 
teen or  fifteen  received  a  fenfe  of  pardon.  So  that 
tin  two  dd\3  thirty  of  my  own  pariih  hav^  been  juf- 
t  Voefides  others  of  other  parifhes. 

Indeed 


(    «5«    ) 

Indeed  I  do  not  take  it  for  granted  that  all  arc 
juftified  who  think  they  are  fo.  Some,  I  fear,  are 
miftaken.  But  I  fliall  judge  better  of  this,  when 
I  fee  the  fruits. 

May  7,   1776. 

The  work  of  GOD  ft  ill  incrcafcs  among  us  :  I" 
believe,  within  thefe  eight  days,  more  than  forty 
here  have  been  filled  with  joy  and  peace  in  believ- 
ing. Qf  thefe  I  have  had  an  account,  but  there 
may  be  many  more.  And  feveral,  who  have  been 
juftifled  feme  time,  believe  GOD  has  blefTcc!  them 
with  perfect  love. 

1  have  no  doubt,  but  the  work  now  carrying  on,, 
is  genuine :  yet  there  were  fome  circumftances 
attending  it,  which  I  diiliked :  fuch  as  loud  oufrj 
cries,  tremblings,  fallings,  convulsions.  But  I  am. 
better  reconciled,  fines  1  read  President  Edwards 
on  that  head,  who  obferves,  "  That  wherever  thefe 
mofl  appear  there  is  always  the  greateft  and  the 
deeped  work." 

There  is  another  thing  which  hajs  given  me 
much  pain  :  the  praying  of  fcveral  at  one  and  the 
fame  time.  Sometimes  five  or  fix,  or  more,  have 
been  praying  all  at  once  in  feveral  parts  of  the 
room  for  diftrefled  perfons.  Others  were  fp cak- 
ing by  way  of  exhortation,  fo  that  the  aflembly 
appeared  to  be  all  in  confufion,  and  muft  feem  to 
one  at  a  little  diftance,  more  like  a  drunken  rub- 
ble than  the  worftiippers  of  GOD.  I  was  afraid, 
this  was  not  doing  all  things  in  decency  and  order. 
1\\(\cq&  Dr.  Edwards  defends  this  alfo.  But  yet 
1  am  not  fatisrled  concerning  it.  I  had  heard  of 
it,  but  never  faw  it  till  Sunday  evening*  But  this 
is  a  delicate  point.  It  requires  much  wifdom,  to 
allay  the  wild,  and  not  damp  the  facred  fire. 

The 


(  m   ) 

The  firft  appearance  of  any  tiling  of  the  kin 
mv  chapel,  was  I  a  ft  Saturday  night.     I  was  not 

,  but  a  young  man  who  (ladies  at  my  h< 
was.  He  is  grave,  prudent,  and  folic. !y  religious, 
without  the  lead  tincture  of  enthufiafm.  Kc  met 
thefocicty  there  in  the  afternoon,  and  would  have 
returned  home  ;  but  that  many  who  were  in 
diftrefs,  begged  him  and  fome  others  to  (lay  and 
pray  with  them.  They  continued  in  prayer  the 
whole  night,  during  which,  about  twelve  wcre'fet 
at  liberty.     But  v  ill    they  could 

do,  there  were  often,  two,  three,  or  more,  fj 
hig  at  one  time. 

I  heard  of  this  the    next 
church,  and  haftened  thence  to  the  chapel.    Some 
hundreds    were    aflembled 

much  confufion  when  I  went  in.     I  went  into  the 
pulpit,  and  began  to  fing,  (hort  exhorta- 

tions and  prayers.     The  confufion  ceafed  :  feveral 
fpirits  were  revived,  and  fome  mourn 
cd. 

Since  that  evening,  this  kind  of  confufion  has 
never  been  known  in  my  neighbourhood.  It  con- 
tinued longer  in  other  places  ;  but  for  fome  time 
has  been  totally  gone.  But  at  this  abated, 
work  of  conviction  and  conversion  ufually  ab 
too.  Yet,  blefled  be  GOD,  it  (lill  goes  on, 
though  not  with  fuch  rapidity.  I  have  heard  but 
of  two  or  three  that  found  peace  for  three  weeks : 
whereas  fome  time  ago,  feldom  a  weak  pafled,  but 
I-could  hear  of  eight  or  nine  -,  fometimes  between 
twenty  and  thirty  at  one  meet 

I  have  chiefly  fpoken  of  what  was   done  in  my 
parifh.      But  that  you  may  know  a  little  of  what 
was  done  elfewhere,  I  fubjoin  an  extract  fro: 
letters  of  two  Local  Preachers,   in  the  county  of 
Sufex. 

Y  2 


Rev. 


258    y 

July  29,   1776. 


WITH  unfpeakable  pleafure  I  acquaint  you 
of  the  glorious  revival  of  religion  in  our  parts. 
It  broke  out  at  our  lalt  Quarterly  Meeting,  and 
has  fince  wonderfully  fpread  throughout  the  Cir- 
cuit. The  time  feems  to  be  coming,  when  we 
ffrafi  not  need  to  teach  every  man  his  neighbour 
to  know  the  Lord  :  for  they  daily  know  him  from 
the  leafl  to  the  greatejt,  from  little  children  to  men 
of  fourfcore.  Above  feven  years  have  I  been  ex- 
horting my  neighbours;  but  very  few  would  hear. 
Now,  biefled  be  GOD,  there  are  hv/  that  will 
not  hear.  It  is  no  ftrange  thing  for  two  or  three 
to  find  the  Lord  at  a  Clafs-meeting  :  and  at  a 
.Sunday  meeting,  although  there  was  no  Preacher, 
ten,  fifteen,  yea,  near  twenty  have  been  convert- 
ed. At  a  place  near  me,  thirty  have  found  the 
Lord,  within  eight  days.  It  is  common  with  us, 
for  men  and  women  to  fall  down  as  dead  under 
an  Exhortation  ;  but  many  more  under  prayer  : 
perhaps  twenty  at  a  time.  And  fome  that  have 
not  fallen  to  the  earth,  have  fhewn  the  fame  dif- 
trefs,  wringing  their  hands,  firming  their  breafts, 
and  begging  all  to  pray  for  them.  With  thefe  the 
work  is  generally  quick  ;  fome  getting  through  in 
lefs  than  a  week,  fome  in  two  or  three  days,  fome 
in  one,  two,  or  three  hours-  Nay,  we  have  an 
instance  of  one  that  was  fo  indifferent,  as  to  leave 
her  brethren  at  prayers,  and  go  to  bed.  But  all 
at  once  fhe  fcreamed  cut,  under  a  fenfe  of  her 
1  >ft  eftate,  and  in  lefs  than  fifteen  minutes  rejoiced 
in  GOD  her  Saviour.  And,  blcffed  be  GOD, 
many  of  thefe  retain  a  fenfe  of  his  favour.  Many, 
who  a  few  weeks  ago  were  defpifers  and  feoffors, 
are  new  happy  in  the  Lord.  Many  old  Chriflians, 

who 


C-   25?     ) 

who  were  always  full  of  doubts  and  fears,  no^fr 
walk  in  the  light  of  Lis  countenance.  Some  have 
a  clear  witnefsin  themfelves,  that  they  have  given 
their  whole  hearts  to  GOD.  O  may  GOD  carry 
on  his  work  among  us,  until  we  are  all  fwallowed 
up  in  love  ! 

T.  5. 
Mr.  S.  lives  two  and  twenty  miles  from   me  : 
the  writer  of  the  following  letter,  about  thirty. 


o 


July  zo,  i~-6. 


1UV. 


ON  June  the  pth,  we  had  a  large  congrega- 
tion. I  fpoke  on,  No  man  can  ferve  two  majlers. 
Several  appeared  to  be  much  diitrefTed,  two  wo- 
men in  particular.  We  ipent  above  an  hour  in 
prayer  for  them,  and  they  arofe  in  peace.  When 
we  met  the  Clafs,  we  fuffered  all  thai  defired  ir, 
to  flay.  The  Leader  only  put  a  queftion  or  two 
to  each  member,  This  was  fcarce  ended,  when 
the  fire  of  GOD's  love  was  kindled.  Praifes  hung 
on  the  lips  of  many  ;  and  feveral  cried  out, 
"  What  mujt  lue  do  to  be  faved  F"  Thus  it  fwift- 
J-y  went  on  •,  every  now  and  then  one  riling  with 
faith  in  Jcfus.  Surely  this  was  one  of  the  days  of 
heaven  !  Such  a  day  I  never  expected  to  fee  in 
time.  While  we  were  met,.one  J.  W.  was  ebferv- 
ed  to  be  looking  through  the  crack  of  the  doer  ; 
which  being  opened,  he  came  with  it,  and,  being 
unable  to  lland,  fell  on  the  floor  quite  helplefs. 
But  in  two  or  three  hours  he  rofe  and  praifed  a 
pardoning  GOD  :  while  one  of  the  Clafs  who  had 
been  juflihed  fomc  time,  received  a  bleinng  great- 
ly fuperior  to  any  thing  lie    had  known  before 

We 


(     &o     ) 

We  have  reafon  to  believe,  that  on  this  day,  fifteen 
were  enabled  to  believe  in  Jefus. 

Saturday,  June  15.  I  was  fpeaking  to  the 
Ciafs,  and  one  found  peace  to  her  foul.  Sunday 
16,  I  fpoke  from,  This  is  the  vi&ory  that  over" 
cometh  the  world,  even  our  faith,  to  four  or  five 
hundred  people.  This  was  alfo  a  day  of  Pentc- 
coft.  Convictions  feized  on  numbers,  who  wreil- 
led  with  GOD  till  their  fouls  were  fet  at  liberty* 
A  young  woman  told  me,  "  She  heard  that  ma- 
ny people  fell  down,  and  (he  would  come  to  help 
them  up."  This  (he  faid  in  fcorn.  She  came 
accordingly.  The  power  of  GOD  foon  feized 
her,  and  me  wanted  helping  up  herfelf.  But  it 
was  not  long  before  the  Spirit  of  grace  helped 
her,  by  giving  her  faith  in  Chrift.  We  believe 
twenty  fouls  found  peace  this  day.  O  may  we 
fee  many  fuch  days  ! 

July  7.  I  fpoke  to  a  large  congregation.  Af- 
terwards I  was  going  to  give  out  an  hymn,  when 
one  was  {o  powerfully  ftruck,  that  he  couid  not 
hold  a  joint  it'll,  and  roared  aloud  for  mercy.  1 
immediately  went  to  prayer;  the  cries  of  the 
people  all  the  time  greatly  increafing.  After  pray- 
er, B.  ST.  lately  a  great  oppofer,  jumped  up  and 
began  to  praife  GOD,  with  a  countenance  fo 
altered,  that  thofe  who  beheld  him  were  filled 
with  altonifhment.  Our  meeting  continued  from 
twelve  at  noon,  till  twelve  at  night  ;  during  which, 
GOD   railed  up  about  fifteen  more  witnefies. 

TheThuifday  following,  fix  of  thofe  who  were 
convinced  on  Sunday,  found  peace  in  believing. 
We  hear  of  many  others  converted  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, feveral  of  whom  were  ftrong  oppofers  : 
and  fome  hoary-headed  ones,  who  had  been  ftrict 
•  ifees  from  their  youth  up. 

Sunday 


(      2«»      ) 

Sunday  21.  We  had  a  large  and  attentive 
auditory,  and  the  power  of  the  Lord  prevailed. 
The  next  day  I  was  much  tempted  to  doubt,  whe- 
ther I  was  fent  of  GOD  to  preach  or  not  ?  I  pray- 
ed earneftly  to  the  Lord  that  he  would  fatisfy  me,, 
and  that  he  would  keep  all  falfc  fire  from  among 
us.  Afterwards  I  preached.  While  I  was  fpeak- 
ing,  a  mother  and  her  daughter  were  fo  (truck 
with  conviction,  that  they  trembled  every  joint : 
bur  before  I  concluded,  both  found  peace.  Glory 
be  to  GOD  ! 

I  am,  &c. 

j.d. 

GOD  has  made  examples  of  feveral  oppofers — 
examples  not  of  Jnflice,  but  of  mercy.  Some  of 
them  came  to  the  affembly  with  hearts  full  of  ran- 
cour againft  the  people  of  God,  fo  that  had  it  been 
in  their  power,  they  would  have  dragged  them  away 
to  prifon,  if  not  to  death.  But  unexpectedly  their 
ilubborn  hearts  were  bowed  down,  being  pierced 
with  the  arrows  of  the  Almighty.  In  a  moment 
they  were  filled  with  diftrefs  and  anguifh,  their 
laughter  turned  into  mourning,  and  their  curfing 
into  prayer.  And  frequently  in  lefs  than  a  week, 
their  heavinefs  has  been  turned  into  joy.  Of  this 
fort  are  feveral  of  our  moil  zealous  and  circurn- 
fpecfc  walkers  at  this  day.  A  goodly  number  of 
thefe  are  rich  in  this  world  ;  yet  they  are  now 
;lit  (o  low,  that  they  are  willing  to  be  taught 
,   and  to  be  the  fervants  of  ali. 

A  Gentleman  of  this  parifli,  in  particular,  had 
much  oppofed  and  contradicted  ;  he  was  fully  per* 
fuaded,,  that  all  outward  appearances,  either  of 
diftrefs  or  joy,  were  mere  deceit.  Cut  as  he  was 
Walking  to  his  mill,  about  half  a  mile  from  his. 
boufe.  deep  conviction  fell  udoii  him.     The  ter^ 

rors 


(      262      ) 

rors  of  the  Lord  befet  him  round  about,,  and  dif- 
trefs  and  anguifh  got  hold  upon  him.  When  he 
came  to  the  mill  and  found  no  one  there,  he  took 
that  opportunity  of  proflrating  himfelf  before 
GOD,  and  of  pouring  out  his  foul  in  his  prefence. 
As  his  diftrefs  was  great,  his  cries  were  loud,  and 
his  prayer  importunate.  The  Lord  heard  him, 
and  fet  his  foul  at  liberty  before  he  left  the  place. 
And  the  power  which  came  upon  him  was  (o 
great,  that  it  feemed  as  if  his  whole  frame  were 
diiTblving. 

Upon  the  whole,  this  has  been  a  great,  a  deep, 
a  fwift,  and  an  extenfively  glorious  work.  Both  the 
nature  and  manner  of  it  have  been  nearly  the 
fame,  wherever  its  benign  influence  reached. 
Where  the  greateft  work  was,  where  the  greattfl 
number  of  fouls  have  been  convinced  and  con- 
verted to  GOD,  there  have  been  the  mod  out- 
cries, tremblings,  convulsions,  and  all  forts  of  ex- 
ternal iigits.  I  took  all  the  pains  I  could,  that 
thefe  might  be  kept  within  bounds,  that  our  good 
might  not  be  evil  fpoken  of.  This  I  did,  not  by 
openly  inveighing  againft  them  in  the  public  af- 
fembly  ;.  but  by  private  advices  to  local  preacherj 
and  others,  as  opportunity  would  permit.  This 
method  had  its  deiired  efFecl:,  without  putting  a 
fword  into  the  hands  of  the  wicked.  Wherever 
the  contrary  method  has  been  taken,  where  thefe 
things  have  been  publicly  oppofed,  when  they 
have  been  fpoken  againfl  in  promifcuous  congre- 
gations, the  efFecl  h  is  always  been  this  :  the  mea 
of  the  world  have  been  highly  gratified,  and  the 
children  of  GOD  deeply  wounded.  The  former 
have  plumed  themfelves,  as  though  they  were  the 
men  who  kept  within  due  bounds,  and  thofe  that 
had  "  made  fo  much  ado  about  religion,"  were 
no  better  than  La-brained  enthufiaits.     I  canncr 

but 


C     263     ) 

"but  think  this  has  a  great  tendency  to  hinder  the 
work  of  GOD.  Indeed  if  we  thought,  that  GOD 
wrought  every  thing  irrefiftibly,  we  fhould  not 
fear  this.  But  we  know  the  contrary  :  we  know, 
that  as  fome  things  promote,  (o  others  hinder 
his  work.  I  grant,  means  fhould  be  ufed  to  pre- 
sent all  indecency  ;  but  they  fhould  be  ufed  with 
great  caution  and  tendernefs,  that  the  cure  may 
be  effected,  if  poffible,  without  damping  the 
work  of  GOD. 

With  regard  to  the  inward  work,  there  has  been 
a  great  variety  as  to  the  length,  and  depth,  and 
circumftances  of  the  convictions  in  different  per- 
-fons  ;  but  all  in  general  have  been  at  firft  alarmed 
with  a  fenfe  of  the  multitude  and  heinoufneis 
of  their  fins  ;  with  an  awful  view  of  the  wrath 
of  GOD,  and  certain  deftruCtion,  if  they  perfifted 
therein.  Hence  they  betook  themfelvesto  prayer, 
and  as  time  permitted,  to  the  ufe  of  all  other 
means  of  grace  ;  although  deeply  fenfible  of  the 
xilenefs  of  their  performances,  and  the  total  infuf- 
ficiency  of  all  they  could  do  to  merit  the  pardon 
of  one  fin,  or  deferve  the  favour  of  GOD.  They 
were  next  convinced  of  their  unbelief,  and  that 
faith  in  Chrift  is  the  only  condition  of  justifica- 
tion. They  continued  thus  waiting  upon  the 
Lord,  till  he  fpoke  peace  to  their  fouls.  This  he 
ufually  did  in  one  moment,  in  a  clear  and  fatis- 
.  factory  manner,  fo  that  all  their  griefs  and  anxie- 
ties vanifhed  away,  and  they  were  filled  with  joy 
and  peace  in  believing.  Some  indeed  have  had 
their  burdens  removed,  fo  that  they  felt  no  con- 
demnation. And  yet,  they  could  not  fay,  they 
were  forgiven.  But  they  could  not  be  fatisfied 
with  this.  They  continued  inftant  in  prayer,  till 
they  knew  the  Lamb  of  GOD  had  taken  away 
-their  fins. 

Mod 


(     2<M     ) 

Mod  of  thefe  had  been  fuddenly  convinced  of 
fin  :  but  with  fome  it  was  otherwife.  Without 
any  fenfe  of  their  guilt,  they  were  brought  to  ufe 
the  means  of  grace,  by  mere  dint  of  perfuafion  : 
and  afterwards  they  were  brought  by  degrees  to 
fee  themfelves,  and  their  want  of  a  Saviour.  But 
before  they  found  deliverance,  they  have  had  as 
deep  a  fenfe  of  their  helplefs  mifery  as  others. 
One  in  my  parifli  was  a  remarkable  inflance  of 
this.  He  was  both  carelefs  ^nd  profane  to  a  great 
degree ;  and  remained  quite  unconcerned,  while 
many  of  his  companions  were   forrowing  after 

"GOD,  or  rejoicing  in  his  love.  One  of  his  ac- 
quaintance advifed  him  to  feek  the  Lord.  He 
laid,  "  I  fee  no  neceflity  for  it  as  yet.  "When  I 
do,  I  will  feek  him  as  well  as  others."  His  friend 
perfuaded  him  to  try  for  one  week,  watching  a- 
gainft  fin,  and  going  by  himfelf  everyday.  He  did 
fo  :  and  though  he  was  quite  ftupid  when  he  be- 
gan, yet  before  the  end  of  the  week,  he  was  tho- 
roughly fenfible  of   the  load  of  fin,  and  is  now 

:  happy  in  GOD. 

If  you  afk,  u  How  ft  and  s  the  cafe  now  with 
thole  that  have  been  the  fubjecls  of  the  late  work  ?" 
I  have  the  pleafure  to   inform  you,    I  have   not 

,.  heard  of  any  one  apoftate  yet.     It  is  true,  many, 

^fince  their  firft  joy  abated,  have  given  way  to 
doubts  and  fears,  have  had  their  confidence  in 
GOD  much  fhaken,  and  have  got  into  much  hea- 
vinefs.  Several  have  pafled  through  this,  and  are 
now  confirmed  in  the  ways  of  GOD.  Others  are 
in  it  ftill ;  and  chiefly  thofe  over  whom  Satan  had 
gained  an  advantage,  by  hurrying  them  into  irre- 
gular warmth,  or  into  exprefiions  not  well  guard- 
ed. I  have  feen  fome  of  thefe  in  great  diftrefs, 
and  juft  ready  to  cad  away  hope. 

I  have 


(  *<*>  ) 

I  have  a  great  deal  upon  my  hands  at  prefenf, 
■Tld  have  little  time  either  to  write  or  read. 
alties  and  temptations  of  the  lately-conv 

!  are  fo  many  and  various,  that  I  am  obliged  I 
in  as  many  places  as  I  can  :  for  now  is  the  crit- 
ical hour.  A  man  of  zeal,  though  with  tittle 
knowledge  or  experience,  may  b?  an  inllrument 
of  converting  fouls.  But  after  they  are  converted, 
he  will  have  need  of  much  knowledge,  much  pru- 
dence and  experience,  to  provide  proper  food  or 
jphyfic  for  the  feveral  members,  according  to  their 
ftate,  habit,  and  constitution.  This  at  prefent 
fcems  in  a  great  meafure  to  devolve  upon  we. 
And  though  I  have  been  twenty  years  in  the 
Lord's  fervice,  yet  I  find  I  am  quite  unequal  to 
the  taflc.  However,  I  will  do  what  I  can  ;  and 
may  the  Lord  blefs  my  endeavours  ! 

The  enemy  is  bufy  night  and  day,  in  (o- 
the  tares  of  divifion  among  the  wheat.  And  in 
fome  places  he  has  prevailed  fo  far  as  to  plunge 
ibme  of  them  in  the  water.  In  other  places  littie 
feuds  and  animofities  arife,  to  grieve  the  Preach- 
ers and  damp  the  fpirits  of  the  people.  On  thefe 
occafions,  they  commonly  apply  to  mc  ;  and  all  is 
well,  at  leait  for  a  feafon. — When  I  confi  , 
-what  it  is  to  watch  over  fouls,  and  how  much  la- 
bour and  pains  it  implies,  to  dif  it  in  ny 
degree,  I  cannot  but  cry  out  with  the  Apoftle, 
Who  is fujjicient for  thefe  things? 

However,  upon  the  whole,  things  are  in  as 
flourifhing  a  condition  as  can  reasonably  be  expect- 
ed, conhdering  what  great  numbers,  ci  various 
capacities  and  ltations  have  been  lately  added  to 
the  focieties. 

But  after  ail,  a  great  part  of  Virginia  is  (till  in 
a  very  dark  and  deplorable  condition.     This  pro- 
vince contains   Gxty-two  counties  ;  and  the  late 
Z  work 


(     7.66     ) 

work  has  reached  only  feven  or  eight  of  them. 
Nor  has  it  been  univerfal  even  in  thefe,  but  chiefly 
in  the  Circuit,  which  is  regularly  vifited  by  the 
Preachers.  In  this  alone  very  many  hundreds 
have  in  a  few  months  been  added  to  the  Lord. 
And  fome  are  adding  (till.  May  He  continue  to 
j  our  out  his  Spirit  upon  us,  and  increafe  the 
number  of  the  faithful  every  ,Jay  ! 

Our  higheft  gratitude  is  due  to  our  gracious 
GOD  ;  for  he  hath  done  marvellous  things !  In 
a  fhort  time  he  hath  wrought  a  great  work:  and 
let  who  will  fpeik  againft  it,  it  is  evident  beyond 
all  contradiction,  that  many  open  and  profligate 
finners  of  all  forts,  have  been  effectually  and  laft- 
ingly  changed  into  pious,  uniform  Chriftians. 
So  that  every  ihinking  man  mufh  allow,  that 
GOD  hath  been  with  us  of  a  truth,  and  that  his 
glory  dive  I  Is  in  cur  land. 

I  am 
Your  fincere  friend, 
and  brother  in  Chrift, 
D.     J. 
Sept.  10,  1776. 

[To  Mr.  T.  R.-] 

'The  following  letter,  which  relates  to  the  fame 
work,  was  written  fome  time  after. 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wefley. 

June  24,  1778. 
Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

YOU  have  the  Narrative  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  J. 

I  fend  this  as  a  Supplement  to  it. 

AT 


(       »7       ) 

AT  our  little  Conference  held  in  Philadelphia^ 
May  1775,  Mr.   o.    wis   appoint*  1   Afliftant   for 

Brunfivick  Circuit  in  Virginia.  He  found  there 
about  eight  hundred  joined  together,  but  in  a  ve- 
ra cortfufed  manner.  Many  of  them  did  not 
underftand  the  nature  of  meeting  in  Claf3-,  and 
many  of  the  ClaiTes  had  id  Leader.  lie  refolv- 
ed  to  begin  in  good  earned,  and  the  Preachers 
pith  him  were  like-minded.  Their  conftant 
torn  was,  as  foon  as  preaching  was  over,  to  fpeak 
to  all  the  members  of  the  Society,  one  by  0;::. 
If  the  Society  was  large,  one  Preacher 
i  part,  and  lie  that  came  next,  to  the  red. 
this  means  they  learned  more  of  our  doCtrinj 
and  difcipline  in  a  year,  than  in  double  the  time 
before.  The  fruit  foon  appeared:  the  Congre- 
gations fwiftly  increafed,  and  many  were  pricked 
to  the  heart.      Many  that  were  a  11  Ic.l, 

defired   to   fee   the    nature  of  meeting  inClafs: 
and  while  one  was  (peaking  either  to   thofe   that 
were  groaning  for  redemption,  or  thofe  wh  ) 
found   peace    with   GOD,   thefe  we  [uently 

cut  to  the  heart,  and  fometimes  enabled  on    the 
fpot  to  praife   a   pardoning   GOD.     Nay,  fome- 

four,  five,  cr  fix  found  peace  with  COD, 
before  the  meeting  was  over. 

The  work  of  GOD  thus  increasing  on  every 
fide,  more  Preachers  were  foon  wanting.  And 
GOD    raiftd    up   feveral   young  men,  who 

ling  ufeful  as  local  Preachers. 
After  Mr.  5.  had  been  about  eight  months  in 
the  circuit,  Mr.  J.  defired  his  parifh  might  be 
included  in  it  ;  that  all  who  chofe  it  might  have 
the  privilege  of  meeting  in  Chfs,  and  being 
members  of  the  Society.  He  foon  faw  the  falu- 
tary  effects.  Many  that  had  but  fmall  defires 
before,  began  to  be  much  alarmed,  and  laboured 

earneilly 


(     268     ) 

earneftly  after  eternal  life.  In  a  little  time  mini-  ] 
bers  were  deeply  awakened,  and  many  tailed  of 
the  pardoning  love  of  COD.  In  a  few  months 
Mr.  J.  law  more  fruit  of  his  labours,  than  he 
had  done  for  many  years.  And  he  went  on  with 
the  Preachers  hand  in  hand,  both  in  do£lrine 
and  difcipline. 

When  Mr.  5.  took  an  account  of  the  Socle- 
ties,  before  he  came  to  the  Conference  in  1776, 
they  contained  two  thoufand,  fix  hundred,  and 
fixty-four  perfons:  to  whom  eighteen  hundred 
were  added  in  one  year.  Above  a  thoufand  cf 
thefe  had  found  peace  with  GOD:  many  of 
whom  thirfted  for  all  the  mind  that  was  in 
Chrift.  And  divers  believed,  GOD  had  cii . 
cifed  their  heart,  to  love  him  iviih  all  their  heart) 
and  ivitb  alt  their  foul. 

This  revival  of  religion  fprend  through  fourteen 
counties  in  Virginia  :  and  through  Bute  and  Ha- 
lifax counties  in  North-Carolina.  At  the  fame 
time  we  had  a  bleffed  outpouring  of  the  Spirit,  in 
feveral  counties  bordering  upon  Maryla 

Our  Conference  was  at  Baltimore-Town,  cu 
:  :d  of  May.  Here  I  received  a  letter  from 
7«  part  of  which  I  infert. 

May  11,    1776* 

C(  I  praife  GOD  for  his  goodnefs  in  fo  plenti- 
fully pouring  out  of  his  Spirit,  on  men,  women, 
and  children.  I  believe  threefcore  in  and  near 
my  paviih,  have  believed,  through  grace,  fince 
the  Quarterly  Meeting.  Such  a  work  I  never 
faw  with  my  eyes.  Sometimes  twelve,  fomctimes 
fifteen  find  the  Lord  atone  Clafs-meeting.  I  am 
juft  returned  from  meeting  two  CiatTes.  Much 
of  the  power  of  GOD  was  in  each. — My  dear 
partner  is  now  happy  in  GOD  her  Saviour.  I 
clap  my  hands  exulting,  and  praife  GOD.  Blefled 

be 


(     2oy     ) 

te  the  Lord,  that  ever  he  fent  you  arhi  your  bre- 
feren  into  this  part  of  his  vineyard  !  Many  chil- 
dren, from  eight  to  twelve  5  ears  old,  are  now  un- 
der (Iroii'T  convictions.  And  fome  of  their, 
favingly  converted  to  GOD.  I  was  much  com- 
forted this  morning  at  the  W.-O.  f- 
people  there  are  of  a  truly  teachable  fpirit :  thofe 
particularly,  who  profefs  to  have  obtained  the  pure 
love  of  GOD.  Idren.  When 

pouconfider,  how  the  work  ij  fpreading  on  ei 
fide,  you    '  me  from   being  at 

your  Conference.'' 

Monday,  June  24.     I  Iefl  n  compa- 

ny with   Jtr.  B.  (a  truly  devout  man,   who  now 
lefts  from  his  labours)  and  cam  'g  on 

Saturday  the  29th,  where  I  preached,  r.i.out  three 
In  the   afternoon,   and  then  rode  on  to  Mr.  i^.'s, 
about  ten  miles   farther.      A  little   company 
waiting  for  me,  and  GOD  was  with  us  of  a  truth. 

Sunday  3c.  I  was  comforted  by  the  fight  of 
my  dear  brother  S.  But  I  was  weak  in  body, 
through  riding  lb  far  in  extreme  heat,  and  much 
exercifed  in  mind  ;  and  did  not  know  how  I  mould 
be  able  to  go  through  the  labour  of  the  day. 
went  to  the  Chapel  at  ten,  where  I  had  liberty  of 
mind,  and  llrength  of  body  beyond  my  expe 
tion,  After  preaching  I  met  the  Society,  and  was 
more  relieved,  both  in  body  and  mind.  At  four 
in  the  afternoon  I  preached  again,  from  I  fet  be- 
tfbre  thee  an  opt  Imt  It.     I  had 

gone  through  about  two  thirds  of  my  difcourfe, 
and  was  bringing  the  words  home  to  the  prefent 
Now,  when  fuch  power  defcended,  that  hun- 
dreds fell  to  the  ground,  and  the  Koufe  feemed  to 
ftake  with  the  pretence  of  GOD.  The  Chanel 
full  of  white  and  black,  and  many  were  with- 
out that  could  not  get  in.  Look  wherever  we 
£  2  would. 


(     2yo     ) 

would,  we  faw  nothing  but  dreaming  eyes, 
faces  bathed  in  tears  :  and  heard  nothing  but 
groans  and  ftrong  cries  after  GOD  and  the  Lord 
Jefus  Chrift.  My  voice  was  drowned  amidft  the 
groans  and  prayers  of  the  congregation.  I  then 
fat  down  in  the  pulpit ;  and  both  Mr.  S.  and  I 
were  fo  filled  with  the  divine  prefence,  that  we 
could  only  fay,  This  is  none  other  than  the  houfe 
of  GOD  !  This  is  the  gate  of  heaven  !  Hufbands 
were  inviting  their  wives  to  go  to  heaven,  wives 
their  hufbands  :  parents  their  children,  and  chil- 
dren their  parents:  brothers  their  fitters,  and 
Afters  their  brothers.  In  fhort,  thofe  who  were 
happy  in  GOD  themfelves,  were  for  bringing  all 
their  friends  to  him  in  their  arms.  This  mighty 
i  on  of  the  Spirit  continued  for  above  an  hour : 
in  which  time  many  were  awakened,  fome  found 
peace  with  GOD,  and  others,  his  pure  love.  We 
attempted  to  fpeak  or  fmg  again  and  again:  but 
no  fooner  we  began  than  our  voices  were  drown- 
ed. It  was  with  much  ciimculty  that  we  at  laft 
perfuaded  the  people,  as  night  drew  on,  to  retire 
to  their  own  homes. 

Tuefday,  July  2.  I  rode  with  Mr.  S.  to  Mr.  J.'*; 
who  with  Mrs.  J.  received  us  with  open  arms.  I 
preached  the  next  day,  not  far  from  his  houfe,  to 
leeply  attentive  congregation.  Many  were 
much  affected  at  the  preaching  j  but  far  more  at 
the  meeting  of  the  Society.  Mr.  J.  himfelf  was 
conilrained  to  praife  GOD  aloud,  for  his  great 
love  to  him  and  to  his  people. 

Sunday  7.     I  preached  at  W.'s  Chapel,  about 
twenty  miles  from  Mr.  J.'s.  I  intended  to  preach 
near  the  houfe,  under  the  (hade  of  fome  large 
it  the  rain  made  it  impracticable.     The 
fe  was  greatly  crowded,  and  four  or  five  hun- 
ted Hood  at  the  doors  and  windows,  and  liitened 

with 


(      27'      ) 

with  unabated  attention.  I  preached  from  Eze- 
kill's  vifion  of  the  dry  bones.  And  there  ivas  a 
I  flaking.  I  was  obliged  to  flop  again  and 
again,  and  beg  of  the  people  to  compofe  them- 
;.  But  they  could  not :  fome  on  their  knee:, 
and  fome  on  their  faces,  were  crying  mightily  to 
GOD  all  the  time  I  was  preaching.  Hundred-, 
of  negroes  were  among  them,  with  the  tears 
dreaming  down  their  faces.  The  fame  pc 
we  found  in  meeting  the  Society,  and  many  were 
enabled  to  rejoice  with  joy  unfr.  In  the* 

cool  of  the  evening  I  preached  out  of  doors,  and 
many  found  an  uncommon  blefTmg. 

Every   day   the    enfuing  week   I  preached  to 
large  and  attentive    congregations.     Indeed    the 

to  o      o 

weather  was  violently  hot,  and  the  fatigue  of  ri- 
ding, and  preaching  fo  often,  was  great.  But 
GOD  made  up  all  this  to  me,  by  his  comfortable 
prcfence.  Thurfday  II.  I  preached  to  a  large 
congregation  at  the  Preaching-houfe  near  Mr. 
JVs.  After  preaching  at  feveral  places  on  Friday 
.Saturday,  on  Sunday  14,  I  came  to  Mr.  Z>.'s, 
re  I  preached  and  met  the  Society.  The  con- 
gregation was,  as  before,  abundantly  larger  than 
the  Chapel  could  contain.  And  we  had  almol't 
fuch  a  day  as  fourteen  days  ago  :  only  attended 
with  a  more  dec\->  and  folemn  work.  What  a 
work  is  GOD  working  in  this  corner  of  Mr.  J.'s 
parifh  !  It  fcemed  as  if  all  the  country,  for  nine 
or  ten  miles  round,  were  ready  to  turn  to  GOD. 
In  the  evening  I  rode  to  Mr.  ■$.%  and  found 
a  whole  family  fearing  and  loving  GOD.  Mr. 
5.  a  fenfible  and  judicious  man,  had  been  for 
many  years  a  juftice  of  the  Peace.  By  hearing 
the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus,  he  and  his  wife  finl, 
and  then  all  his  children  had  attained  that  peace 
that  paffeth  all    understanding.      He  obferved, 

"  How 


I       2/2       ) 

"How  amazing  the  change  was,  which  had  been 
lately  wrought  in  the  place  where  he  lived  !  That 
before  the  Methotlifts  came  into  thefe  parts,  when 
he  was  called  by  his  office  to  attend  the  Court, 
there  was  nothing  but  drunkennefs,  curfing, 
fwearing,  and  fighting,  moll  of  the  time  the  Court 
fat:  whereas  now  nothing  is  heard  but  prayer 
and  praife,  and  convening  about  GOD,  and  the 
\,  of  GOD." 

Monday  15.  I  rode  toward  North-Carolina. 
In  every  place  the  congregations  were  large,  and 
received  the  word  with  all  readineis  of  mind.  I 
know  not  that  I  have  fpent  fuch  a  week,  fince  I 
came- to  America.  I  law  every  where  fuch  a  fim- 
plicity  in  the  people,  with  fuch  a  vehement  thirft 
after  the  word  of  GOD,  that  1  frequently  preach- 
ed and  continued  in  prayer,  till  I  was  hardly  able 
to  (land.  Indeed  there  was  no  getting  away  from 
them,  while  I  was  able  to  fpeak  one  fentence  for 
GOD. 

Sunday  2:.  I  preached  at  Roanoahe  Chapel  to 
more  than  double  of  what  the  Houfe  would  con- 
tain. In  general,  the  white  people  were  within 
the  Chapel,  and  the  black  people  without.  The 
windows  being  all  open,  every  one  could  hear, 
and  hundreds  felt  the  word  of  GOD.  Many  were 
bathed  in  tears,  and  others  rejoicing  with  joy  un- 
speakable. When  the  Society  met,  many  could 
not  refrain  from  praifmg  GOD  aloud.  I  preached 
to  a  large  company  in  the  afternoon,  and  con- 
cluded the  day  with  prayer  and  thankfgiving. 

Tuefday  23.  I  croiTed  the  Roanoake  River,  and 
preached  at  a  Chapel  in  North-Carolina.  And  I 
preached  every  day  to  very  large  and  deeply  at- 
tentive congregations:  although  not  without  much 
labour  and  pain,  through  the  extreme  heat  of  the 
weather. 

On 


(       2/3       ) 

On  Tuefday  30,  was  our  Quarterly  Meeting.  I 
,  fcarce  ever  remember  fuch  a  feafon.     No  Chapel 
or  Preaching-houfe  in   Virginia  would  have  con- 
tained one  third  of  the  congregation.   Our  friends 
knowing  this,  had  contrived  to  fhade  with  boughs 
of  trees  a  fpace  that  would  contain  two  or  three 
thoufand  perfons.     Under  this,  wholly  feveened 
1   the  rays   of  the    fun,  we  held  our  general 
Love-feafl.     It  began  between  eight  and  nine  on 
lefday   morning,   and   continued   till    noon. 
7  teltified  that  they  had  rtdk 
cf  JeftiSy  even  the  frgivenefs  of  fins.      And  many 
c-nabtcd  to  declare,  that  it  had  cUanfed  them 
all  fin.  So  clear,  fo  fuil,  io  llrong  was  their 
QOny,   that  while   fome   were    fpeaking  their 
ex[  erience,  hundreds  were  in  t  :d   others 

mently  crying  to  GOD,  for  pardon  or  holi- 
piefs. 

About  eight  our  Watch-niglu  began.     Mr.  J. 
preached    an   excellent  fermon  :    the  reft   of  the 
Preachers  exhorted  and  prayed  with  divine  ener- 
gy,    purely,  for  the  work  wrought  on  thefc  two 
many  will  praife  GOD  to  all  eternity. 

T.  R. 


Thurfday,  January  2,    1777.     My  foul  has  had 

reflle  with  principalities  and  powers  ;  but  by 

the  grace   cf  GOD,  in  c\:  v  refilling  the 

rer,  I  have   come  off  more  than  conqueror 

ami  am   now  in   peace.     I  was  enabled  to  fpeak 

plainly  and  clofely  at  Mr.  GVs. 

Lord's-day  5.  After  preaching  and  meeting 
the  fociety,  I  think  the  people  were  left  more  in 
earned  for  the  faivation  of  their  fouls,  than  they 
were  before.  On  Monday  the  Lord  was  the  por- 
tion and  comfort  cf  my   foul  j  and   I  enjoyed  a 

very 


(     274     ) 

very  agreeable  and  happy  feafon  with  the  little 
flock  at  W.  Wh. 

Tuefday  7.  The  camp-fever  now  rages  much  ; 
of  which  feveral  have  died. 

Thurfday  9.  I  have  met  with  a  few  faithful, 
happy  fouls,  both  yefterday  at  Sufquehannahy  and 
to-day  at  E.  IF.'s.  My  own  foul  lives  conftant- 
ly  as  in  the  pretence  of  GOD,  and  enjoys  much 
of  his  divine  favour.    His  love  is  better  than  life  ! 

"  My  Jefus  to  know, 

"  And  feel  his  blood  flow, 

M  Tis  life  everlafting,  'tis  heaven  below.'7 

Lord's-day  12.  There  was  but  little  appear- 
ance of  feeling  while  I  preached  in  the  day  from 
John  i.  14  ;  but  my  foul  was  much  blefled  in  the 
evening  at  IV.  is.'s,  and  it  was  a  folemn  time  a- 
mongfl  the  people. 

Monday  13.  We  have  conftant  rumours  a- 
bout  the  difagreeable  war  which  is  now  fpreading 
igh  the  country,  but  all  thefe  things  I  ftill 
com-mit  to  GOD.  Matters  of  greater  perpetuity 
call  for  the  exertion  of  my  mental  powers.  My  foul 
is  in  a  tranquil  frame,  but  thirtieth  for  more  of 
GOD.  After  preaching  at  5.  Z.'s,  I  met  the  fo- 
ciety,  which  feemed  but  flow  in  their  fpirifual 
progrefs.  Both  the  audience  and  myfelf  wens 
much  more  engaged  the  next  day  at   /.   /Vs. 

.  16.  A  certain  perfon  palled  great 
encomium?,  and  founded  my  praifeas  a  preacher, 
to  my  face.  But  this  is  a  dangerous  practice  -r 
for  it  is  eafier  for  a  preacher  to  think  too  much 
of  his  gifts,  than  too  little.  St.  Paul  defcribing 
the  true  liraelite,  faith — ivhofe  praife  is  mtofmen^ 
but  of  GOD. 

Saturday 


(    *75    ) 

Saturday  18.  I  have  heard  much  of  many  at- 
tending on  the  Lord's-days,  to  hear  T.  C.  but  for 
my  part,  I  fee  but  little  fruit.  My  heart  was 
warmly  engaged  to-day  at  Mr.  F.'s  \  and  as  fome 
preachers  met  me  in  the  evening,  we  held  a  watch- 
night  at  H.  JV.'s.  There  was  a  great  number  of 
people,  and  it  was  a  folemn,  profitable  time. 

Lord's-day  19.  In  preaching  at  N.  iVs,  from 
Zeph.  i.  12.  1  was  particularly  led,  in  the  clofe 
of  the  fermon,  to  addrefs  the  younger  part  of  the 
congregation,  in  fuch  a  manner  as  greatly  affected 
the  parents  who  were  prefent. 

Monday  20.  It  is  now  a  time  of  great  and 
fpreading  fickntfs  ;  but  in  this  very  time,  the 
Lord  keeps  me  in  health  and  fafety  ;  for  which 
my  heart  is  drawn  out  in  grateful  acknowledge- 
ments. There  were  more  people  than  could  have 
been  expected,  to  hear  the  word  at  Mrs.  /Vs. 

Tuefday  21.  A  meffenger  from  Mr.  G.'s  met 
me  at  the  widow  B.'s>  informing  me  that  Mr. 
R — a  and  Mr.  G.  S.  were  there  waiting  to  fee 
me.  After  preaching  I  let  out,  and  met  my  bre- 
thren the  fame  night;  and  found  them  inclined 
to  leave  America^  and  embark  for  England.  But 
I  had  before  refolved  not  to  depart  from  the  work 
on  any  confederation.  After  fome  confutation, 
it  was  thought  bed  that  Mr.  R. — a  ihculd  go  to 
Mr.  R — //,  and  requefl  his  attendance  here.  On 
Thurfday  brother  S.  preached  a  very  argumenta- 
tive and  melting  fermon.  I  intended  to  have  gone 
forward  on  my  circuit,  bur  was  prevented  by  the 
rain. 

Friday  24.  My  heart  has  checked  me  for  not 
being  more  watchful  in  company  and  converfa- 
ticn  ;  but  to-day  my  foul  was  greatly  drawn  out 
after  GOD.  How  often  do  we  grieve  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  deprive  ourfelves  of  divine  conten- 
tions, 


(    276    ) 

tions,  by  not  fteadily  attending  to  the  duties  of 
watching  and  prayer.  Lord,  help  me  to  be  more 
attentive,  and  more  faithful ! 

Lord's-day  28.  After  lecturing  in  Mr.  G/s 
family,  I  rode  to  the  Forks,  and  preached  there  ; 
then,  through  rain,  and  cold,  and  dirt,  to  meet 
the  congregation  at  Mr.  C.'s  :  and  afterwards  re- 
turned to  Mr.  G.'s,  and  lectured  in  the  evening. 
And  the  Lord  was  with  me,  to  fupport  and  com- 
fort me  through  all  the  exercifes  of  the  day. 

Monday  29.  My  fpirit  was  aflaulted  by  Sa- 
tan, and  felt  itfelf  in  a  heavy  frame  ;  but  in  the 
Lord  I  have  help.  As  brother  G.  S.  is  willing  to 
take  this  circuit  for  the  prefent,  my  intention  is 
to  move  towards  Annapolis  and  its  adjacent  parts. 
May  divine  Providence  direct  my  fteps.  I  have 
had  an  agreeable  converfation  with  my  friend 
Mr.  O— e. 

Friday  31.  I  was  moved  to  fpeak  in  alarming 
terms  at  W.  L.'s ;  but  am  not  yet  fo  fteadiiy  and 
fpiritually  devoted  to  GOD,  as  my  foul  earneftly 
defires  to  be.  Probably  the  Lord  will  be  pleafed 
to  make  me  perfect  through  fufferings.  But  our 
light  afficlion  which  is  hut  for  a  moment,  is  not  wor- 
thy U  be  compared  with  that  glory  which  Jhall  be  re~ 
sealed  in  us,  if  faithful  to  the  grace,  of  GOD. 

"  Who  fuffer  with  our  Matter  here, 
«  We  fhaii  before  his  face  appear, 

"  And  by  his  fide  fit  down  : 
*<  To  patient  faith  the  prize  is  fure ; 
«  And  all  who  to  the  end  endure 

"  The  crofs,  mail  wear  the  crown." 

Saturday,  February  1.  My  foul  is  determined 
to  labour  Tor  more  of  the  fpirit  of  devotion.  I 
found  myfelf  at  liberty  in  preaching  at  the  Pointy 

on 


(     *77     ) 

on  Cajfing  all  your  care  upon  him%  for  he  car:: 
you. 

Lord's-day  2.    The  audience  at  the  P 
cold  and  unaffected.      And  at  town  on  Mor 
evening,  they  were  difperfed  by  the  alarm  of  fire 
in  the  time  of  preaching. 

Tuefday  4.  After  a  feafon  of  temptations  and 
fpiritual  exercifes,  I  found  my  mind  difburdened  ; 
and  a  holy,  awful  nearnefs  to  GOD.  On  T: 
day  I  fet  out  for  R.ijlerjloiun>  in  order  to  meet  bro- 
ther G>  S.  and  calling  in  at  Mr.  /;'r.'s,  where  bro- 
ther K.  was  then  fpeaking,  I  alio  fpoke  a  few 
words  and  found  my  foul  refrefhed.  I  met  with 
brother  G.  S.  the  next  day,  and  faw  an  affecting 
letter  from  Mrs.  T.  of  Philadelphia,  in  which, 
ter  {he  had  given  fome  account  of  the  abounding 
wickednefs  of  that  city,  (he  informed  us  of  the 
declenfion  of  a  few  religious  perfens,  of  the  fide- 
lity of  others,  of  the  camp-fever  that  was  then 
prevailing  there,  and  that  many  died  thereof; 
fometimes  20,  30,  and  even  40  in  a  day.  An  aw- 
ful account  indeed  !  So  it  feems  as  if  the  Lord 
intends  to  bring  us  to  our  proper  reflections  and 
duties,  by  the  fword,  the  peftilence,  and  famine. 
Alas  !  who  can  ftand  before  the  difpleafure  of  the 
Almighty  !  How  much  better  would  it  be,  for 
men  to  pleafe  GOD,  and  Jive  in  love  to  him  and 
one  another,  that  they  might  partake  of  his  I 
ing,  inftead  of  his  curfe.  Lord,  grant  thy  people 
wifdom  and  protection  in  all  times  of  danger  ! 

Monday  10.  I  went  to  the  quarterly  meeting 
smd  met  with  brother  R — a  and  brother  R — ;;. 
In  our  love-feaft  feveral  people  were  happy,  but 
my  mind  was  under  a  cloud  and  fome  fevere  ex- 
ercifes. However,  I  eameftly  defire  an  increafe 
of  patience,  and  communion  with  GOD.  O  my 
A  a  Lord, 


(     273     ) 

Lord,  fcatter  every  cloud,  and  caufe  thy  face  to 
fhine  with  beams  of  divine  love  upon  my  foul  ! 

Thurfday  13.  Mr.  R — n  went  to  Baltimore  ; 
and  on  Friday  I  felt  a  defire  to  be  labouring 
for  the  falvation  of  fouls.  I  cannot  be  idle,  but 
mufl:  be  occupied  till  my  Lord  (hall  come.  O 
happy  day,  when  the  weary  fhallbe  at  reft  !  Lord, 
halten  thy  work  in  me,  and  then  haften  thy  com- 
ing to  judgment,  or  by  death  ! 

Saturday  15.  I  have  been  reading  fome  of 
both  Greek  and  Hebrew:  but  my  foul  longeth 
to  feel  more  deadnefs  to  every  thing  but  GOD., 
and  an  increafe  of  fpiritual  light,  life,  and  love.  I 
now  parted  with  dear  brother  G.  S.  On  the 
Lord's-day  I  found  freedom  and  waimth  in 
preaching  to  a  larger  congregation  than  could 
have  been  expected,   at  the  widow  M.'s. 

Monday  1 7.  Rode  to  Mrs.  i^.'s ;  and  was  griev- 
oufly  troubled  with  inward  temptations.  Oh  ! 
when  (hall  I  reft  with  my  Jefus  in  eternal  glory  ! 
Lord,  I  am  oppreifed,  undertake  for  me  ! 

Tuefday  18.  It  was  a  cold  winter's  day,  but 
I  rode  23  miles  to  Mr.  G.'s,  and  found  one  had 
been  brought  to  GOD  fince  my  departure  the 
laft  time.  Several  feemed  to  mek  while  1  was 
difcourfing  on  the  parable  of  the  dry  bones. 

Thurfday  20.  The  weather  was  exceedingly 
fevere,  and  I  had  25  miles  to  ride  ;  which  almoft 
benumbed  both  body  and  foul.  But  my  mind 
was  fo  exercifed  by  the  way,  with  various  and 
heavy  temptations,  and  fuch  a  deep  fenfe  of  my 
demerit  and  unprofitablenefs,  that  1  thought  my 
fuffering  was  much  lefs  than  my  defert.  Satan 
frequently  afTaults  me  on  every  fide,  and  with 
.every  fpecies  of  temptations.  Surely  it  is  through 
great  tribulation  we  mufl  enter  into  the  kingdom 

of 


(     279     ) 

of  GOD.  The  righteous  have  great  caufe  to  re- 
joice that  a  rejl  remaineth  for  them. 

Saturday  22.  The  burden  of  my  ardent defird 
was,  to  be  more  aOimilated  to  my  fpiritual  head, 
and  to  be  more  abundantly  devoted,  both  day  and 
night,  to  the  pure  and  uninterrupted  fervice  of 
my  GOD. 

"  I  would  be  thine,  thou  know'ft  I  would, 

"  And  have  thee  all  my  own ; 
"  Thee,   O  my  all-fufncient  good, 
*'  I  want,  and  thee  alone. ' 

Lord's-day  13.  After  riding  20  miles  to  /. 
JF'.'s,  I  fpok<  n  thcfe  words,  How  long  halt 
ye  between  two  opinions  ?  Many  of  the  people  dis- 
played by  the.r  looks,  the  carelefsnefs  of  their 
hearts ;  but  a  few  from  among  them  have  been 
brought  to  Cm-iil,  and  fome  more  are  coming. 
On  Tuefday  we  had  fevere  weather,  with  a  cold 
and  dirty  houfe ;  but  my  foul  was  much  blefled 
in  my  little  fufferings.  On  "Wednefday  I  was 
kindly  entertained  by  old  Mr.  M.  and  his  wife  : 
though  a  troublefome  little  Irilhman  fecmed  much 
inclined  to  altercation.  But  as  Solomon  fays,  a 
fcft  anfwer  tufneth  aivay  wrath  :  fo  by  coolnefs 
and  meeknefs,  the  ferocity  of  his  temper  was  in 
a  great  degree  fubdued.  I  have  had  fome  doubts 
of  late,  whether  I  am  in  my  proper  rout  to  bring 
fouls  to  GOD  :  however,  the  event  mult  make 
it  manifeft. 

Friday  28.  My  heart  was  unfettered  and  quite 
py  in  GOD,  while  publishing  glad  tidings  to 
poor  finners  at  Mr.  r/.'s,  from  Acls  xiii.  3^,  39. 
I  had  appointed  the  next  day  to  enter  Annapolis, 
but  a  great  (how  prevented  me.  Meeting  with 
brother   H.  who  was  about  to    enter  upon    the 

circuit 


(     28o     ) 

circuit,  we  took  feme  fweet  counfel  together  re- 
lative to  the  work  of  GOD ;  and  I  gave  him  a 
plan  which  comprehended  the  greater  part  of  the 
circuit,  referring  for  myfelf  Annapolis  and  a  few 
places  adjacent.  My  foul  is  now  kept  in  peace 
and  love. 

Lord's  day,  March  2.  Though  the  weather 
was  very  cold,  feveral  members  of  the  convention 
attended  to  hear  the  word  at  the  widow  D.'s;  and 
I  afterwards  preached  in  the  play-houfe,  now 
converted  into  a  church.  In  the  beginning  of 
the  enfuing  week,  I  was  requefted  to  preach  in 
the  aflembly-room,  but  fome  of  the  members  op- 
pofed  it  ;  fo  I  returned  to  the  play-houfe,  and 
found  my  ideas  contracted  while  preaching  to  a 
dtijiical  audience  from  Rom.  viii.  7,  8.  Lord,  if 
thou  haft  called  me  to  preach  to  thefe  fouls, 
grant  me  divine  afliftance  !  But  how  difficult  it 
is  to  declare  the  plain  truth  to  ungodly  and  fen- 
fual  men,  in  fuch  a  manner  as  not  to  be  difmayed 
at  their  countenance  !  Our  fufficiency  is  of  GOD. 

Wednefday  5.  I  had  fome  hope  for  a  poor, 
ignorant  people  at  Brcad-Nechy  on  the  other  fide 
of  the  Severn,  My  cloaths  were  wet  through,  in 
riding  20  miles  the  next  day  to  Mr.  iVs;  but  I 
received  no  injury.  Here  I  met  with  Mr.  O.  and 
Wm.  M.  and  my  foul  was  blelTed  with  delightful 
communion  with  GOD. 

Lord's-day  9.  Preached  at  Mr.  JF.'s  :  and 
on  Monday  my  heart  was  inflamed  with  divine 
love,  and  the  people  were  much  melted,  while  I 
was  difcourfing  at  Mr.  R.'s  from  Amos  v.  6. 
though  my  foul  had  been  bowed  down  by  the 
weight  of  temptations  5  and  by  the  grace  of 
GOD,  I  was  afhamed  before  him,  being  bafe,  un- 
worthy, and  contemptible  in  my  own  eyes.    May 

the 


(     *««      ) 

.-ace  which  thus  abafes  me,  in  due  time  ex- 
alt me,  and  bring  me  to  glory  ! 

Tuefday  11.  I  met  with  a  dull  congregation 
at  Mr.  G.'$,  and  went  home  with  Mr.  T.  who 
appeared  to  be  the  only  thoughtful  man  among!!; 
them.  I  was  much  indifpofed  on  Wedpefday, 
and  on  my  way  to  Annapolis x  Hopped  at  Mr, 
M — >'s,  where  a  certain  Mr.  R.  was  taken  Tick  5 
after  I  had  converfed  with  him  about  his  foul  and 
the  things  of  eternity,  his  conduct  proved  that 
GOD  hath  a  witnefs  for  himfelf  in  every  bread, 
for  awaking  in  the  night,  he  uttered  exprcflm: 
groans,  and  called  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
But  alas  !  when  men  fhould  attend  to  the  voice 
of  divine  grace  which  fpeaketh  in  filence,  though 
frequently  with  great  power,  to  every  conscience, 
they  make  off"  the  difagreeable  fenfation,  and 
plunge  into  bufinefs  and  fenfual  pleafures  :  and 
when  death  comes,  they  plunge  into  hell.  Thus 
it  was  with  the  rich  man  mentioned  by  our  Lord, 
in  the  parable  :  and  thus  it  is  with  many  every 
day — Unhappy  creatures  !  How  rich,  how  ho- 
nourable, how  eafy,  hew  happy  once,  avails  them 
nothing  there  !  There  they  muu  dwell  in  eternal 
poverty  and  nakednefs,  expo  fed  to  the  beating 
ftorms  of  the  divine  difpleafure.  Then  how  much 
better  is  it,  to  choofe  affliction  with  the  people 
of  GOD,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleafure  of  fin  for  a 
feafon  ? 

Thurfday  13.  At  TV.  M^C.'k  many  were 
much  wrought  upon  by  the  Spirit  of  GOD,  un- 
der the  word  :  A.  W.  efpecially  was  fo  deeply 
affected,  that  (he  had  fcarce  power  to  contain 
he.rfelf — I  faw  a  frefh  proof  that  the  life  of  man 
is  quite  uncertain  :  a  tobacco  houfe  was  blown 
down  and  killed  a  negro  man. 

A  a  2  My 


(       ^82       ) 

My  heart  was  deeply  engaged  in  prayer,  es- 
pecially for  the  inhabitants  of  Annapolis,  My 
confidence  in  GOD  was  fo  great,  that  I  could 
truit  him  with  my  body  and  foul,  and  all  my 
little  concerns.  He  makes  me  a  partaker  of 
his  fpiritual  kingdom,  righteoufnefs,  peace,  and 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft. 

Friday  14.  My  natural  timidity  deprefTed  my 
mind,  at  the  thought  of  preaching  in  Annapolisy 
where  many  people  openly  deny  the  holy  fcrip- 
tufes,  as  well  as  the  power  of  inward  religion. 
But  the  Lord  infpired  me  with  a  degree  of  evan- 
gelical courage  ;  and  I  felt  a  determination  to  ad- 
here to  the  truth,  and  follow  Jefus  Chrift,  if  it 
fhould  be  even  to  prifon  or  to  death. 

Saturday  15..  Preaching  in  a  private  houfe  in 
Annapolis,  I  found  my  fpirit  at  liberty  in  a  good 
degree.  May  the  GOD  of  Daniel  ftand  by  me, 
that  I  may  never  be  afhamed  to  preach  the  pure 
gorpel,  or  even  afraid  to  fuffer  for  it  ! 

Lord's-day  16.  After  preaching  at  the  widow 
jO.'s,  I  rode  back  to  Mr.  H.%  and  was  not  very 
agreeably  entertained  by  a  company  of  gay,  world- 
ly people.  And  as  they  muft  either  imbibe  fome- 
rliing  cf  my  fpirit,  or  I  fomething  of  theirs,  if 
we  were  long  together,  I  thought  it  moft  expe- 
dient to  depart  in  peace  as  foon  as  it  was  con- 
venient ;  and  was  much  aflifted  and  comforted  in 
preaching  from  Acts  xvii.  30,  31.  but  felt  myfelf 
weary  and  unwell  at  the  clofe  of  the  day. 

Monday  17.  Preaching  when  the  houfe  of  af- 
ferably  was  adjourned,  many  of  them  came  to  hear 
for  themfelves.  The  Lord  was  with  me,  and  I 
found  my  heart  melted  and  expanded  with  love  to 
the  fouls  of  the  people.  But  by  imprudently  ven- 
turing  out  when  warmed  by  preaching,  I  have 
brrittght  on  a  fere  throat.     OnTuefday  I  went  to 

get 


(     *«3     ) 

get  a  fight  of  the  poor  prifoners,  but  could  not  ob- 
tain admittance.  At  Broad-Creek  on  Wednefday, 
there  was  a  large  company  of  wild  and  ignorant 
mortals,  who  after  preaching  were  communica- 
ting their  thoughts  to  each  other  :  fome  faid  they 
did  not  like  the  doctrine  *,  others  faid  it  was  the 
truth,  the  very  truth. 

Wednefday  19.  I  rode  to  Major  ./cVs,  who 
treated  me  with  great  kindnefs,  and  feemed  defi- 
rous  of  knowing  the  truth:  but  the  fpiritofthc 
times  has  engroiTed  too  much  of  his  attention. 
Our  Lord  has  told  us  that  fome,  •when  they  have 
heard,  go  forth,  and  are  choked  ivith  cares,  and 
riches,  and  pleasures  of  this  life,  Luke  viii. 
14.  No  doubt  but  this  defcription  comprehends 
avaft  multitude  of  mankind  :  they  do  not  confider 
religion  as  the  one   thing  needful. 

Thurfday  2c.  By  the  Providence  of  GOD,  my 
throat  was  no  worfe,  but  my  mind  was  under  fome 
dejection.  However,  we  had  a  powerful  and 
profitable  watch-night  at  Mr.  iVs.  And  on  Fri- 
day there  were  many  attentive  people  at  Mr. 
ic.'s. 

Saturday  21.  As  fure  as  we  draw  nigh  to 
GOD,  in  fincerity,  he  will  draw  nigh  to  us.  I 
have  given  myfelf  to  private  prayer  feven  times 
a  day,  and  found  my  heart  much  drawn  out  in  be- 
half of  the  preachers,  the  focieties,  efpecially  the 
new  places,  and  my  aged  parents.  And  while 
thus  exercifed,  my  foul  has  been  both  quickened 
and  purified.  Let  the  glory  be  given  to  GOD  ! 
But  alas  !  after  all  my  heart  is  not  fo  filled  with 
generous  gratitude  as  it  fhould  be  ! 

"  Eternal  are  thy  mercies,  Lord  ; 
"  Eternal  truth  attends  thy  word  ; 

«  Thy 


(     284     ) 

"  Thy  praife  fhall  found  from  fliore  to  more, 
u  Till  funs  fhall  rife  and  fet  no  more." 

Lord's-day  22.  My  mind  was  delightfully  fixed 
on  GOD.  A  few  people  who  in  dullnefs  and  re- 
ligious flupidity  exceeded  all  I  had  ever  feen, 
came  to  hear  me  to-day.  But  would  they  fin- 
cerely  feek  after  GOD,  they  mould  find  the  way 
to  heaven  ;  for  the  prophet  faith,  A  fool  J):  all  not 
err  therein. 

Thurfday  16.  I  have  been  varioufly  exercifed 
with  the  careleffnefs  of  the  people,  and  the  trou- 
bles of  the  times  ;  though  my  foul  has  had  inti- 
mate accefs  to  GOD.  I  received  a  letter  from 
brother  S.  intimating  that  according  to  rule,  the 
time  was  drawing  near  for  us  to  return,  But  St. 
Paul's  rule  is,  that  our  fpiritual  children  mould 
be  in  our  hearts,  to  live  and  die  with  them.  2 
Cor.  vii.  3.  Then  doubtlefs  we  mould  be  willing 
to  fufrer  affliction  with  them.  May  the  Lord  give 
me  wifdom  fufficient  to  direcl;  rne  in  this  and  eve- 
ry intricate  cafe  ! 

Lord's-day  29.  The  congregation  was  large 
at  Mr.  D.'s,  and  fome  of  them  felt  the  power  of 
the  word  :  though  in  the  afternoon  at  a  fchool- 
houfe  near  Annapolis,  there  was  very  little  ap- 
pearance of  fpiritual  feeling.  On  Monday  I  was 
under  fome  exercife  of  mind  in  rcfpecl  to  the 
times  :  my  brethren  are  inclined  to  leave  the  con- 
tinent, and  I  do  not  know  but  fomething  may  be 
propounded  to  me  which  would  touch  my  con- 
science ;  but  my  determination  is  to  truft  in  GOD, 
and  be  fatisfied  if  the  fouls  cf  my  fellow-men 
are  faved.  A  genteei  woman  met  me  to-day  on 
the  road  to  /.  Et,%  and  alked  me  if  I  mould  not 
preach  in  town  ;  but  I  had  not  the  prefence  of 

mind 


(     28j     ) 

mind   to  teil  her  I  had  no  place  there  to  preach 
in. 

Wednefday  April  2.  Having  received  infor- 
mation that  ibme  of  my  brethren  had  determined 
on  their  departure,  I  wrote  to  brother  5.  that  as 
long  as  I  could  itay  and  preach  without  injuring 
my  confcience,  it  appeared  as  my  duty  to  abide 
with  the  flock.  But  I  mult  confefs  Satan  has 
harafTed  me  with  violent  and  various  temptations. 
However,  my  dependance  is  on  the  Lord,  that  he 
will  always  enable  me  to  do  what  is  right  in  the 
light  of  GOD  and  man.  I  had  about  twenty-two 
miles  to  ride  to-day,  and  to  call  by  the  way  to 
preach  :  though  both  hungry  and  weary,  yet  my 
foul  was  much  blelTed  in  difpenfing  the  word. 
.  Thurfday  3.  My  foul  had  peace,  and  my  bo- 
dy had  reft  :  but  Satan  was  itill  at  hand.  We 
had  a  comfortable  watch-night  at  Mr.  /Vs.  On 
Friday  my  heart  was  difiblved  into  tendernefs, 
while  preaching  at  Mr.  R.'s. 

Saturday  5.  Mr.  M.  gave  me  an  awful  account 
of  a  man  (truck  inftantly  dead  at  Deer-Creek. 
The  very  relation  of  his  crime  is  enough  to  make 
a  man  Ihudder — he  had  been  curfing  the  Holy 
Spirit.  This  is  a  linking  proof  that  GOD  is  not 
an  inattentive  fpe&ator  of  the  actions  of  men, 
though  moil  men  live  as  if  they  thought  he  were. 
No  :  for  GOD  f  Jail  bring  every  work  into  judgment , 
with  every  ferret  things  whether  it  be  goody  or  ivhe- 
ther  it  be  evil.  EccSefiaftes  xii.  14.  Much  temp- 
tation has  urged  me  to  much  prayer  :  fo  that  I 
have  lately  retired  as  often  as  ten  or  twelve  times 
a  day  to  call  upon  my  GOD.  When  the  tempter 
finds  that  his  violent  aflTauIts  only  drive  us  nearer 
to  GOD,  perhaps  he  will  not  be  fo  malicioufly 
officious. 

Monday 


(    286    ) 

Monday  7.  Satan  feemed  determined,  if  pof* 
fible,  to  diftra£t,  if  he  could  notdeftroy  me — even 
blafphemous  thoughts  have  been  darted  into  my 
imagination.  But  I  know  where  my  help  is  to 
be  found.  Let  our  imaginations  be  ever  fo  hor- 
rid, and  haunt  us  ever  fo  frequently,  provided  we 
hate  them,  and  conftantly  refill  them,  they  are 
not  imputed  to  us  :  but  we  may  ftill  rejoice  in 
GOD  in  the  midft  of  them  all.  //  is  enough  for 
the fervant,  to  be  as  his  Lord,  who  was  in  all 
points  tempted  /ike  as  we  are,  yet  without  firu 
Glory  to  GOD,  he  hath  promifed  that  wejhall 
not  he  tempted  above  that  we  are  able  (though  fome- 
times  it  may  be  to  the  extent  of  our  ability)  but 
will  with  the  temptation  alfo  male  a  way  to  efcape> 
that  we  may  be  able  to  bear  it.  I  Cor.  x.  13.  I 
have  now  read  Newton  on  the  prophecies  three 
times  over.  0 

Tuefday  8.  There  was  a  large  company  of 
wild-looking  people,  at  Mr.  GVs  on  the  fork  of 
Patuxent  river.  And  there  was  much  fuch  a 
congregation  the  next  day  at  Mr.  C's. 

Thurfday  10.  My  foal  was  much  refrefhed  in 
fpeaking  to  the  people  at  C.  B.'s :  and  on  Friday 
I  met  with  Mr.  H — n>  and  received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  R — ;; ;  in  which,  after  he  had  given  me  an 
account  of  the  circuits  and  focieties,  he  afligned 
his  reafons  for  not  travelling  much  for  about  the 
fpace  of  two  months  pad. 

Lord?s-day  13.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  D.'s, 
I  found  much  freedom  in  preaching  to  a  large 
company  at  Annapolis :  and  had  an  invitation  to 
go  into  Worcefter  county. 

Monday  14.  This  was  a  day  of  reft  to  my 
fatigued  frame,  and  of  confolation  to  my  immor- 
tal part.  On  Tuefday  there  was  great  decency 
in  the  congregstion  at  Annapolis ;   though  Satan, 

b7 


(     *87     ) 

by  his  emtffaries,  had  raifcd  an  oppofition.     But 
IfraePs  GOD  is  above  them  all. 

Wednefday  16.  GOD  was  with  us,  and  the 
people  were  happy,  at  Mr.  Vl/.'s.  On  my  way  I 
called  and  dined  with  Mr.  R.  who  gave  great 
attention  to  my  explanatory  and  pointed  conver- 
sation on  the  new  birth.  Riding  after  preaching 
o  R.  P.'s,  my  chaife  was  (hot  through  ;  but  the 
Lord  preferved  my  perfon.  The  war  is  now  at 
fuch  a  height,  that  they  are  preffing  m4»n  for  the 
fea-fervice. 

Thurfday  17.  One  of  our  fociety  died  of  a 
diforder  in  the  throat  and  lungs,  with  only  one 
day's  illnefs.  Such  is  the  precarious  tenure  of 
life  !  But  blejfed  are  they  that  die  in  the  Lord. 
May  I  always  have  my  loins  girded  about,  and 
my  light  burning,  waiting  for  the  will  of  my 
Lord  !  GOD  has  difplayed  great  wifdom  and 
goodnefs  in  hiding  future  events  from  man  ;  that 
we  may  live  witiiout  that  painful  anxiety  which 
we  mould  be  apt  to  feel  if  we  knew  the  hour  of 
our  death  ;  and  that  we  may  be  always  ready  to 
meet  the  unknown  period. 

Saturday  19.  My  foul  was  much  blefied  at 
R.  S.'s,  in  preaching  from  the  divine  expoftulation, 
IVhy  will  ye  die  ?  Mr.  /.  D.  invited  me  to  lodge 
at  his  houfe,  and  treated  me  with  great  kind- 
nefs. 

Lord's-day  20.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  JV.'s, 
I  rode  about  twenty  miles  to  lodge  with  a  friend  ; 
but  feeing  a  boy  plowing  by  the  road-fide,  my 
confcience  fmote  me  for  breaking  the  fabbath,  by 
riding  when  there  was  no  real  neceflity  for  it. 

Monday  21.  My  heart  was  comforted  in  the 
company  of  an  old  friend  ;  but  on  Tuefday  Satan 
raged  againft  my  foul  as  if  he  would  immediately 
deltroy  it :  but  my  divine  Protector  is  too  ftrong 

for 


(      28$      ) 

for  him.  The  Lord  vifited  and  bleffed  my  foul  in 
the  evening,  while  I  was  describing  the  faithful 
and  wife  fervant. 

Wednefday  23.  I  found  myfelf  very  unwell 
on  my  going  to  T.  Wis  ;  but  my  fpirit  was  at 
liberty  in  preaching.  Though  ftill  unwell  I  rode 
twenty  miles  to  L  W.\  on  Thurfday,  and  was 
blefled  with  a  tranquil  mind  by  the  way.  Satan 
caft  feveral  infernal  darts  -  at  my  foul  •,  but  I  was 
enabled  to  repel  them  by  the  (hield  of  faith,  and 
the  power  of  prayer. 

Saturday  26.  A  very  genteel,  polite  company 
aflembled  at  Annapolis  ,•  and  though  I  fpoke  with 
great  plainnefs,  they  bore  it  well. 

Lord's-day  27.  After  meeting  the  congrega- 
tion at  the  widow  ZVs,  I  found  a  large  company 
at  Annapolis,  who  gave  good  attention  to  me,  but 
I  fear  they  were  not  difpofed  to  give  their  hearts  to 
GOD.  My  mind  has  been  grieved  at  fome  who 
call  themfelves  friends  to  religion  and  to  the  Me- 
thodifts.  Cut  a4as  \  how  blind  and  ignorant  is 
the  unchanged  mind  of  man  !  How  little  does  he 
confider  what  will  pleafe  or  difpbafe  his  Maker  ! 
I  ftill  defire  to  have  every  action,  word,  thought, 
and  defire,  entirely  devoted  to  GOD.  Lord, 
haften  the  much  v/ifhed-for  hour  ! 

f*  Thou,  my  life,  my  treafure  be, 

"  My  portion  here  below  ! 
"  Nothing  would  I  feek  but  thee, 

"  Thee  only  would  I  know." 

Monday  28.  About  two  hundred  carelefs- 
looking  people  came  to  hear  the  word  of  GOD 
at  Pig-point :  they  feemed  entire  ftrangers  to  fucli 
a  doclrine  ;  fo  fome  laughed  and  others  wept.  I 
rode  fifty  miles    in    going  and  coming  to  preach 

that 


(     «89     ) 

that  fermon,  but  hope  it  was  not   altogether  1 1- 
bour  loft. 

Friday  May  2.     At  Mr.   R.'s   I    fpokc   clofely 

and  pointedly  for  the  laft  time  during  this  \ 
then  rode  through  the  rain  and  darknefs  to 
W.ys>  and  felt  my  heart  fweetly  melted  with  gra- 
titude and  thankfgiving  to  GOD.  On  Monday 
I  went  to  5.  TVs,  and  met  mv  brethren  at  the 
Frederic  quarterly  meeting ;  where  we  were  fa- 
voured with  the  divine  blelling. 

Wedn^fday  7.  A  letter  came  to  hr.nd  from 
Mr.  J.  which  gave  us  hopes  that  there  would  be 
another  revival  in  Virginia.  He  alfo  advifed  us 
to  take  no  immature  fteps,  which  might  have  % 
tendency  to  alter  our  plan.  After  preaching  the 
next  day  at  R.  S.'s,  T.  D.  invited  me  to  his 
houfe.  I  found  that  he  and  his  wife  were  feek- 
iug  to  he  juftified  by  the  deeds  of  the  law;  and 
I  laboured  with  undifTembled  freedom  to  convince 
them  of  their  error ;  but  it  appeared  to  be  labour 
in  vain. 

Saturday  10.  At  Annapolis  the  congregation 
was  fmall,  and  fo  was  my  power  to  preach.  My 
foul  has  been  kept  in  a  calm  and  comfortable 
frame,  but  panting  for  more  conftant  fervour 
towards  GOD. 

Lord's-day  II.  Many  attended  at  the  widow 
D.'s,  to  hear  what  I  would  fay  on  my  departure. 
I  fpoke  from  Acls  xiii.  46.  and  many  feemed 
much  affected.  The  congregation  was  alfo  large 
at  Annapolis ;  where  I  fpoke  in  plain  terms  to 
the  rich  and  the  gay,  on  ovir  Lord's  awful  ac- 
count of  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus.  They  be- 
haved well,  and  fome  were  defirous  to  know  if  I 
intended  to  come  again. 

Monday  12.     Set  out  for  our  yearly  confer- 
*cce,  and  having  preached  at  Mr.   2Ys   by  the 
B  b  wav 


(       290       ) 

way,  came  fafe  to  Mr.  G/s,  and  was  glad  to  fe« 
the  preachers  who  were  there.  We  had  fom< 
weighty  conversation  on  different  points:  anc 
among  other  things,  it  was  afked  whether  w( 
could  give  our  confent  that  Mr.  R.  fhould  bap- 
tize, as  there  appeared  to  be  a  prefent  neceflity. 
But  it  was  objected  that  this  would  be  a  breach 
of  our  difcipline ;  and  it  was  not  probable  that 
things  would  continue  long  in  fuch  a  difordered 
ilate.  The  next  day,  with  great  harmony  and 
joint  confent,  we  drew  a  rough  draught  for  fta- 
tioning  the  preachers  the  enfuing  year.  And  on 
Friday  we  converfed  on  the  propriety  of  figning 
certificates  avouching  good  conduct,  for  fuch  of 
the  preachers  as  choie  to  go  to  Europe.  But  I 
could  not  fee  the  propriety  of  it  at  this  time. 
We  alfo  converfed  on  fuch  rules  as  might  be  pro- 
per for  the  regulation  of  the  preachers  who  abide 
on  the  continent.  And  it  was  judged  neceflary 
that  a  committee  fhould  be  appointed  to  fuperin- 
tend  the  whole.  And  on  Monday  we  rode  to- 
gether to  attend  the  conference  at  Deer-Creek. 

So  greatly  has  the  Lord  increafed  the  number 
of  travelling  preachers  within  thefe  few  years, 
that  we  have  now  twenty-feven  who  attend  the 
circuits,  and  twenty  of  them  were  prefent  at  this 
conference.  Both  our  public  and  private  bufi- 
nefs  was  conducted  with  great  harmony,  peace, 
and  love.  Our  brethren  who  intend  to  return 
to  Europe,  have  agreed  to  flay  till  the  way  is 
quite  open.  I  preached  on  the  charge  which 
our  Lord  gave  his  apoftles,  Behold,  I  fend  yeu 
forth  as  J] jeep  in  the  midfl  of  ivolves  :  be  ye  there- 
fore ivife  cs  ferpentSy  and  harmlefs  as  doves.  Our 
conference  ended  with  a  love-feail  and  watch- 
night.  But  when  the  time  of  parting  came,  ma- 
ny wept  as  if  they  had  loft  their  flrft-born  fons. 

They 


(    29  r    ; 

They  appeared  to  be  in  the  deeped  diftrefs,  ttitnk- 
iing,  as  I  fuppofe,  they  (hould  not  fee  the  faces 
of  the  Englijb  preachers  any  more.  This  was 
inch  a  parting  as  I  never  faw  before.  Our  con- 
ference has  been  a  great  time,  a  fcafon  or  un- 
common affection.  And  we  mud  acknowledge 
that  GOD  has  directed,  owned,  and  bleiled  us 
in  the  work.  A  certificate,  as  mentioned  above, 
had  been  acceded  to,  and  figned  in  the  confer- 
ence. 

Lord's-day    25.     My    foul   was   quickened   in 
preaching   at   the   Bujh  chapel;  I  lodged  at 
X).'s;   and  the   next   day   collected    my    wril 
and  letters,  in  order  to  preferve  them.    On  Ti 
day  went  to  Mr.  G.'s ;  and  on  Wednefday  began 
to  read  regularly  Mr.  JVeflefs  Notes. 

Thurfday  29.  We  had  a  profitable  meeting 
at  Gunpowder-neck.  And  on  Friday  I  returned 
to  preach  at  Mr.  G.'s ;  where  we  had  a  fmall, 
but  warm  congregation. 

Saturday  31.  The  Spirit  of  grace  was  with 
me  :  but  I  long  for  a  more  active  life ;  to  be  con- 
ftantly  employed  in  bringing  fouls  to  GOD. 

Lord's-day  June  1.  The  Lord  enlarged  my 
:,  and  opened  a  door  of  utterance,  while 
breaching  to  a  numerous  congregation  at  the 
Forks;  and  there  were  fame  among  them  who 
had  for  a  long  time  been  detained  by  prejudice 
from  hearing  us.  But  I  could  not  find  the  fame 
liberty  at  Mr.  G.'s  in  the  latter  part  of  the  day. 

Tuefday  3.  As  the  hart  pantetb  after  the  w 
rrooks,  fo  panteth  my  foul  after  GOD.  My  foul 
%irjleth  for  GOD,  for  the  living  GOD  ;  though 
I  have  been  at  times  forely  befet  by  temptations. 
But  (hall  I  ever  yield  to  the  tempter,  ana  fin 
.it  my  Lord  ?  No:  in  the  ftrength  of  Je- 
luo,  no  ! 

Thurfday 


(      292      ) 

Thurfday  5.  Having  been  ten  days  off  and 
on  at  Mr.  G.'s,  I  fet  out  to-day  for  /.  C.'s;  and 
preached  by  the  way  at  P.  f/.'s.  On  Friday  I 
laid  afide  my  wig,  and  began  to  ufe  the  cold  bath 
for  my  health  :  and  rode  as  far  as  Mrs.  R.'s,  who 
was  a  mother  in  Ifrael,  and  both  a  friend  and 
mother  to  me.  After  many  heavy  trials  my  foul 
was  comforted,  but  earnestly  defirous  of  more 
purity  and  fellowship  with  GOD. 

Saturday  7.  Seme  feemed  to  feel  the  weight 
of  divine  truths  at  Rifterftown ;  and  on  the 
Lord's-day  my  heart  was  melted  and  expanded 
towards  the  people  at  brother  C.'s. 

Monday  9.  I  met  brother  G.  S.  at  Mr.  CJs, 
and  preached  on  Acts  xvi.  30,  31.;  then  called 
to  fee  a  fick  perfon,  and  returned  to  brother 
C.'s. 

Wednefday  1 1.  I  preached  in  town  on  thefe  af- 
fecling  words,  Hoiv  fiall  I  give  thee  up,  Ephraim  ? 
And  on  Thurfday  entering  my  circuit  at.  Mr. 
P.'sj  we  had  a  heart-aiiecling  feafon,  and  a  few 
joined  the  fociety. 

Friday  13.  We  had  great  harmony  and  love 
in  our  mereafiiig  fociety  at  i?.'s. 

Lord's-day  15.  There  was  a  large,  attentive 
audience  in  a  fchool-houfe  on  Ell-ridge;  where 
I  preached  with  unufual  energy  and  affection  on 
Amos  iv.  1  r.  and  hope  the  time  of  favouring  the 
fouls  of  both  rich  and  poor  is  now  approaching. 
But  after  fo  great  a  bleffing,  Satan,  as  if  mov»jd 
with  envy,  attempted  to  wound  me  with  his  fiery 
darts.  This  was  probably  permitted  by  my  gra- 
cious Lord,  led  I  mould  be  exalted  above  mea- 
fure.  Brother  G.  S.  came  to  accompany  me  in- 
to Virginia,  to  fetch  our  cloathing  and  books. 

Monday  16.  We  fet  out  and  rode  to  5.  T.*s, 
where  we   received  this  ftrange  relation. — "  A 

"  perfon 


{     2yj>     ; 

"  perfon  in  the  form  of  a  man  came  to  the  houfe 
"  of  another  in  the  night  ;  the  man  of  the  houfe 
<c  afked  what  he  wanted.  He  replied,  e  This  will 
"  he  the  bloodied  year  that  ever  was  known.1  The 
W  other  afked  how  he  knew.  His  anfwer  was, 
"  ( It  is  as  true  as  that  your  wife  is  now  dean  in 
"  her  bed/  He  went  back  and  found  his  wife 
"  dead.  Bur  the  ftranger  difappeared."  On  Tuef- 
day  we  went  to  brother  A — w's ;  and  bn  Wed- 
r.efday  to  B.  ivs,  a  kind  man,  hut  his  ideas  of  re- 
ligion were  confufed.  Thurfday  we  rode  to  Lcef- 
burg,  and  found  that  brother  B — !.:  1  a  ;  juft  de- 
parted from  this  "world  of  trouble  and  dan 
My  fpirit  was  much  drawn  out  towards  GOD 
and  the  fouls  of  the  people,  while  preaching  on 
Matt.  xxiv.  45,  &C.  Friday  we  went  on  to  Fre- 
deric, where  I  (hewed  the  people  the  danger  of 
poTtponing  their  duties  to  God  from  Amos  iv.  1 1. 
The  next  day  we  rode  forty-five  miles  to  Rijlerf- 
toivriy  and  came    in   about   (even  o'clock. 

Wednefday  27.  By  invitation,  I  vihted  /.  Z). 
v- ho  was  very  ill,  and  hope  it  will  be  followed  by 
the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  Ind  prove  a  per- 
manent blefhng  to  his  foul.  Then  rode  on  to 
1.  JV.'sj  and  found  myfelf  unwell,  but  "happy  in 
GOD. 

Friday  27.  I  went  to  Mr.  i/.'s,  and  intended 
to  preach  in  Annapolis,  but  there  v/as  no  houfe 
open  for  me.  The  next  day  two  of  the  members 
of  the  afiembly  promifed  to  ufe  their  influence  in 
procuring  me  a  houfe  to  preach  in  *,  but  expected 
they  could  not  fucceed.  Alas  !  What  have  I 
done  ?  Whofe  ox  or  whofe  afs  have  I  taken,  or 
whom  have  I  defrauded  ?  But  the  Lord  permits 
it  to  be  fo  ;  therefore  I  peaceably  fubmit,  and  will 
not  fear  the  face  of  man,  nor  even  a  prifon, 
while  employed  in  the  caufe  of  GOD  and  of 
B  b   2  truth. 


*94 


truth.  However,  contrary  to  my  expectation,  I* 
preached  in  the  church,  though  the  congregation 
was  {mall,  and  the  foldiers  made  a  great  noife  be- 
fore the  door.  I  then  concluded  to  preach  the 
next  time  in  the  commons.  But  the  rain  which 
fell  the  next  day  prevented  me  ;  and  there  were 
but  few  people  at  Mrs.  X).'s. 

Tuefday  July  i.  The  Lord  bleiTed  me  with 
joy  and  peace  in  believing,  and  I  was  enabled  to 
cafl;  all  my  care  upon  him.  On  Tuefday  I  went 
to  Mr.  iVs,  about  twenty  miles;  and  have  been, 
much  delighted  in  reading  Dr..  Walls's  treatifc  on 
the  reft  of  feparate  fpirits,  and  Mr.  Baxter  s> 
Saint's  reft.  In  thefe  books  we  find  the  marrow 
uf  Method ifm  :  i.  e.  pure  religion  and  found 
doftrine  which  cannot  be  condemned. 

Wednefday  2.  Satan  ftill  manifefteth  a  defire. 
to  fift  me  as  wheat :  but  the  Lord  fupports  mc, 
-jnd  fills  me  with  peace.  A  lowering  cloud  hangs 
threatening  over  our  heads,  but  all  my  truft  is  in 
the  Lord,  who  hath  flood  by  and  preferved  me 
for  many  years  •,  and  will  ftand  by  me  ftill. 

Thurfday  3.*  I  rode  about  twelve  miles,  and. 
rreached  a  funeral  fcrmon  on  the  death  of  Mr. 
17.  It  was  a  very  affecting  time  both  to  me  and 
the  congregation.  But  after  I  had  read  the  rules 
in  the  focietv,  I  told  them  my  doubts,  and  com- 
municated my  ideas  of  the  approaching  troubles  ; 
which  produced  a  great  melting  amongft  them. 

Saturday  5.  I  had  fome  converfation  with 
Mr.  M — v;  but  it  was  to  no  purpofe,  for  lie 
was  ftill  inflexible.  Perhaps  I  have  been  too  for 
ward  in  taking  his  part  before,  and  now  he  re 
v^uites  me  for  it. 

Lord's-day  6.     There  was  a  very  ferious  con 
gregation  in  the  forenoon,  where  I  enforced  our 
Lord's  aitecttonate  declaration,    Matt,   xxiii.  37. 

Bu 


(     ^5     ) 

But  in  the  latter  part  of  the  day  about  eleven 
miles  diftant  from  the  other  place,  the  people 
feemcd  to  be  ftupid  and  inattentive.  As  I  have 
thought  bacon  was  prejudicial  to  my  health,  I 
have  lately  abitained  from  it,  and  have  experi- 
enced the  good  effects  of  this  economy.  My  foul 
has  been  kept  in  great  purity,  and  ardent  pant- 
ings  after  more  of  GOD. 

Monday  7.  In  the  evening  D.  R.  and  brother 
H,  came  and  brought  me  fome  account  of  the 
preachers,  whom  I  love  in  the  bowels  of  Chrift, 
with  much  affection.  We  fpent  the  next  day 
together  in  love,  and  to  edification  :  and  on  Wed-- 
nefday  they  fet  out  for  Virginia,  and  I  for  Annapo- 
lis. My  ipirit  was  fomewhat  dejected  by  the 
way,  with  a  fear  that  the  people  would  rejec.1  the 
gofpel  of  Jefus  Chriit,  to  their  own  deftrucHon. 
But  thefe  matters  muft  be  left  to  the  Lord,  who 
iv:ll  judge  the  ivor/d  in  righieoufnefs.  I  met  a  very 
infenfible  company  at  Mr.  C.'s,  and  laboured  to 
fatten  the  truth  on  their  hearts  from  Malachi  iii. 
7  •,  but  it  appeared  to  be  labour  in  vain. 

Thurfday  10.  They  received  me  at  Mr.  H.'s 
better  than  I  expected  j  and  fome  were  touched 
by  the  power  of  grace.  There  was  an  opportu- 
nity on  Friday  of  fpeaking,  at  lead  to  the  judg- 
ment of  fome  rich  and  honourable  men,  on  rfalm 
iy.  6,  7.  There  be  many  that  fay  ,  luho  will Jhevi  us 
any  good  ?  Lord,  lift  thou  up  the.  light  of  thy  coun- 
tenance upon  us.  Thou  haft  put  gladnefs  in  my  hearty 
more than  in  the  time  that  their  corn  and  their  wine  in- 
creafed.  My  heavinefs  of  fpirit  was  almoft  remov- 
ed, and  my  foul  was  free  and  happy  in  GOD. 

Lord's-day  13.  Though  I  fpoke  clofely  and 
plainly  at  Mrs.  D.'s,  yet  the  audience  did  not 
feem  properly  to  underitand  me.  I  had  intended 
to  preach  in  the  commons  this  afternoon,  but  the 

raiu 


K       290       / 

rain  prevented  it,  fo  I  preached  to  a  few  defiroos 
fouls  at  Mr.  H.'s.  But  my  fpirit  is  grieved  with- 
in me,  to  fee  fuch  multitudes  of  people  in  thefe 
parts,  fo  forgetful  of  GOD  and  rilled  with  the 
fpirit  and  conversion  of  this  world.  Poor  fouls  ! 
If  they  were  only  convinced  of  their  fiaful  and 
loft  eftate.  their  difpofitionandconverfation  would 
be  immediately  changed.  My  work  at  prefent 
is  very  heavy — it  is  chiefly  among  unawakened 
people.  I  have  devifed  what  I  could  to  bring 
them  to  GOD  ;  and  know  not  what  new  me- 
thod to  take.  May  the  Lord  take  the  work  into 
ins  own  hand  ! 

Monday  14.  There  were  forty  or  fifty,  chiefly 
women,  to  hear  the  word  at  Annapolis  :  to  whom 
I  fbewed,  If  our  go/pel  be  hid,  it  is  bid  to  them  that 
ere  loji  ;  in  whom  the  God  of  this  luor/d  hath  blinded 
the  minds  of  them  that  believe  not,  left  the  light  of 
the  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrif,  luho  is  the  image  of 
GOD,  Jhould  fine  unto  them.  Though  1  fpoke 
freely,  yet  but  few  of  them  feemed  to  feel  it.  On 
Tuefday  my  foui  was  under  deep  exercifes.  I  am 
often  purposing  to  purfue  with  greater  ardour  the 
fummit  of  hoiinefs,  but  {till  come  fhort ! 

Wednefday  16.  At  a  place  10  miles  from 
Annapolis,  there  was  fomc  melting  cf  heart  under 
the  word.  I  afterwards  met  the  clafs,  and  then 
returned  with  my  mind  fixed  on  GOD,  and 
fweet  nearnefs   of  foul  to  him. 

Thurfday  17.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was 
with  me  in  preaching  at  Mr.  P.'s ;  and  there 
was  a  great  moving  among  the  fociety.  BlefTed 
be  GOD  for  all  things  !  My  body  has  been  in 
tolerable  health,  and  my  foul  frequently  refrethed 
with  the  dew  of  heavenly  grace.  My  medita- 
tions in  the  Hebrew  bible  have  afforded  me  great 

pleafure. 


(    *97     ) 

pieafure.  This  is  the  book  I  ftudy  for  improve- 
ment. 

Lord's-day  20.  Both  at  the  fchool-houfe, 
where  I  called  on  the  people  to  confider  their 
ways  from  Haggai  i.  5  •,  and  at  Mr.  i?.'s  where 
I  (lie wed  them,  from  Ezek.  xxxiii.  3  1.  how  many 
of  old  time  heard  the  word  of  the  Lord,  but  did 
it  not  j  there  was  very  little  appearance  of 
any  thing  more  than  attention  :  though  I  never 
laboured  more  earneftly  to  do  good.  It  feems  as 
if  a  judicial  ilupidity  in  fpiritual  things  prevails 
among  them. 

Monday  21.  Heard  Mr.  R — n  preach  his 
hft  fermon.  My  mind  was  a  little  dejected  \  and 
I  now  felt  fome  defire  to  return  to  England;  but 
was  willing  to  commit  the  matter  to  the  Lord* 
There  was  a  large  congregation  and  fome  pro- 
ipect  of  good  things  at  Mr.  S.'s,  where  I  told 
the  people,  from  the  authority  of  Jefus  Chrift, 
Except  ye  repent)  yejhall  all  lileivife  perijhy  Luke 
xiii.  3. 

Wednefday  23.  GOD  was  ftiil  my  object  and 
my  hope.  But  I  have  lamented  my  backward- 
nefs  in  doing  good  by  private  converfation  ;  which 
is  in  a  great  meafure  owing  to  the  natural  baih- 
fulnefs  of  my  difpofition.  After  vifiting  fome 
poor  people  to  pray  and  talk  with  them  on  the 
important  fubject  of  their  falvation,  I  rode  to 
C.'s  at  the  head  of  South-river  :  but  it  is  a  mife- 
rable,  ftupid,  carelefs  neighbourhood  ;  fo  I  bid  it 
farewell. 

Thurfday  24.  There  were  many  gay  and  gid- 
dy-looking folks  to  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord  •> 
and  a  few  of  them  were  ferious  and  afrected. 
Poor  fouls  !  They  are  real  objects  of  pity.  Both 
their  education  and  the  circle  of  their  acquaint- 
ance, have  a  tendency  to  make  them  forget  their 

lattet 


(     *98     ) 

latter  end,  and  to  bend  all  the  ftrength  of  their 
minds  to  prefent  objects. 

Friday  25.  We  kept  our  general  fail  as  ap- 
pointed by  conference  ;  and  my  foul  was  enabled 
to  eaft  all  its  little  cares,  both  fpiritual  and  tem- 
poral, on  him  that  careth  for  me.  May  the  Lord 
direct  me  how  to  act,  fo  as  to  keep  myfelf  al- 
ways in  the  love  of  GOD  !  I  have  lately  been 
reading  an  account  of  Thpodofius  and  his  fons, 
v/ith  feveral  of  the  ancient  fathers  ;  which  alfo 
communicates  much  information  relative  to  the 
eaftern  and  wcftern  empires  for  about  three  hun- 
dred years,  ^o  long  was  idolatry  and  Arian.ifm  kept 
out  of  the  church  of  Chrift.  And  while  Chryfojlom 
wasbifhop,  anArian  church  was  burnt  at  Conjlan- 
tinrjple.  But  fince  that  time,  abfolute,  unconditional 
prcdeftination  has  made  its  way  into  the  church, 
which  nullifies  all  laws,  human  and  divine  :  for 
if  men  cannot  do  otherwife  than  they  de,  why 
fhould  any  law  inflict  punifhment  for  their 
crimes  r  Mud  quadrupeds  be  punifned  becaufe 
they  do  not  fly  ?  How  eafi'y  might  men  believing 
this  doctrine  afcribe  their  envy,  malice,-  and  moil 
cruel  inclinations  to  the  effect  of  divine  predefti- 
nation ;  and  conclude  that  their  mod  malignant 
difpofitions  were  eternally  decreed  ;  and  therefore 
not  to  be  conquered  but  complied  with,  though 
they  (houkl  produce  the  mod  pernicious  and  de- 
structive confequences  in  human  fociety. 

Saturday  26.  My  foul  was  compofed,  and  in 
purfuit  of  more  of  GOD.  Having  read  the  con- 
queft  of  Rdme  by  Alaric,  and  the  rending  of  the 
Weftern  Empire  by  the  Goths  ;  I  was  led  to  ob- 
ferve  how  part  of  the  Revelation  to  St.  John  was 
then  fulfilled.    But  much  more  of  this  is  yet   to 

COT)?. 

Lords-day 


(     299     ) 

Lord's-day  27.  After  explaining  the  parable 
of  the  fower  at  Mrs.  D.'s,  I  preached  at  Annapolis 
to  a  large  company,  fomc  feiious,  and  fome  gay 
and  trifling,  on  thefe  companionate  words  of 
thrift,  How  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  chil- 
dren together ,  and  ye  would  net. 

Monday  28.  As  the  rain  prevented  my  at- 
tending the  appointment,  I  vifited  the  gaol,  and 
found  an  unhappy  mortal  under  fentence  of 
death ;  who  was  very  ignorant,  but  Co  fufcepti- 
ble  of  religious  advice  that  he  was  melted  into 
tears,  and  fhook  like  a  leaf. 

Tuefday  29.  The  Lord  difcovered  to  my  view 
a  greater  depth  of  holinefs,  and  my  foul  thirfled 
for  it.  I  met  with  brother  H.  who  had  been  to 
Virginia,  but  having  iome  fcruples  of  confeience 
about  taking  the  teft  oath,  was  obliged  to  return. 
May  the  Lord  direct  us  all  how  to  purfue  the 
moll  wife  and  prudent  rneafures  !  The  next  day 
I  preached  at  Maggottv,  where  the  work  of  GOD 
goes  on  fuccefsfully. 

Thurfday  31.  At  Mr.  iVs  there  were  about 
a  hundred  fouls  who  feemed  much  alive  to 
GOD.  Here  I  appointed  a  quarterly  meeting 
and  love-feaft,  on  my  return  from  Baltimore  and 
Frederic,  next  Saturday  fortnight. 

Friday  Auguft  1.  The  Lord  gave  me  fpirinual 
peace,  but  my  foul  was  on  ftretch  for  a  greater  de- 
gree of  holinefs,  and  deeper  communion  with 
GOD. 

"  I  pant  to  feel  thy  fway, 
"  And  only  thee  t'obey  : 

"  Thee  my  fpirit  gafps  to  meet  ; 
«  This  my  one,  my  ceafclefs  pray'r, 

"  Make,  O  make  my  heart  thy  feat  ! 
Ci  O  fet  up  thy  kingdom  there  !" 


(     3<>°     ) 

I  have  now  finifhed  reading  fix-teen  volumes  of  the 
Univerfal  Hiftory. 

Lord's-day3.  In  the  forenoon  the  poor,  rich 
Tinners  were  very  attentive  in  the  fchool-houfe  on 
Elk-ridge  :  and  it  is  pojjlble  the  Lord  may  raife  a 
people  among  them  to  fear  and  love  him.  But 
at  Mr.  R.'s  in  the  afternoon,  the  congregation 
was  very  dull,  though  I  fpoke  ftrong  words  from 
the  Almighty's  awful  declaration  concerning  the 
ungodly — Thefe  Jhall  go  away  into  everlajling  pu- 
nijhment. 

Monday  4.  Rode  thirty-feven  miles  to  the 
Frederic  quarterly  meeting,  without  breaking  my 
faft,  and  was  under  the  necefiity  of  preaching 
when  I  arrived.  The  next  day  our  meeting  began 
with  a  love-feaft ;  and  we  had  a  powerful,  melting 
time. 

Friday  8.  Having  vifited  my  friends  in  Balti- 
morel  rode  to  Mr.  G/s,  met  Mr.  R.  and  had  fome 
agreeable  converfation  on  the  work  of  GOD  in 
different  parts  of  America,  "Went  the  next  day  to 
the  Forks  where  I  met  with  brother  G,  S.  in  great 
harmony,  and  found  divine  afliftance  in  difpenf- 
ing  the  word. 

Monday  1  J.  We  fettled  all  our  little  affairs  in 
the  fpirit  of  love  ;  and  brother  S.  partly  agreed  to 
go  with  me  to  the  quarterly  meeting.  But  alas  ! 
though  my  confidence  in  Chrifi  was  not  (haken, 
yet  I  felt  myfelf  lefs  than  the  lead  in  the  compa- 
ny, and  unworthy  of  the  favour  of  both  GOD 
and  man.  How  merciful  is  GOD  in  giving  us  fuch 
abafing  views  of  ourfeives,  which  have  a  power- 
ful tendency  to  drive  us  clofer  to  him,  and  keep 
us  always  in  the  duft  ! 

Tuefday  12.  After  I  had  publicly  declared  to 
the  righteous,  The  GOD  whom  we  ferve  is  able  to 
deliver  us ;  we  then  had   a  folemn,  comfortable 

love- 


(    3°*     ) 

iove-feaft:  and  having  done  our  bufinefs,  I  re- 
turned to  Mr.  G.'s,  where  many  people  attended 
to  receive  the  word  of  truth.  And  we  have  rea- 
fon  to  believe  the  work  of  GOD  is  now  reviv- 
ing. 

Wednefday  13,  was  fpent  at  Mr.  G.'s  •,  and 
after  fome  converfation  I  found  brother  5.  was 
not  to  go  with  me,  becaufe  Mr.  R.  did  not  choofe 
to  fpend  a  quarter  in  Baltimore  circuit.  Indeed  he 
has  not  taken  a  regular  circuit  fince  we  have  been 
in  America  ;  fo  I  was  obliged  to  go  into  a  new 
circuit  with  a  young  exhorter  who  had  deferted 
me  once  before.  But  all  contentions  wound  my 
fpirit ;  fo  I  paflively  fubmitted. 

Thurfday  14.  My  mouth  was  opened  and  my 
heart  was  enlarged  at  W.  L.'s  ;  and  I  hope  the 
-word  was  made  a  blefling  to  many  fouls. 

Friday  15.  Rode  to  Curtis's  creek  to  hold  % 
quarterly  meeting  there  ;  and  the  next  morning 
we  began  with  a  love-feaft.  It  was  a  time  of 
great  power,  and  exceeded  all  we  had  ever  feen  in 
thefe  parts.  There  was  fomething  very  admira- 
ble in  the  chriftian  fimplicity  of  the  people,  who 
fpokethe  language  of  warm  and  artlefs  love.  Bro- 
ther S.  preached  a  moving  fermon  on  the  barren 
Jig-tree  :  and  many  finners  wept. 

Lordrs-day  17.  The  rain  prevented  my  going 
to  the  Ridge,  and  brother  6\  from  going  to  Balti- 
more ;  fo  we  had  a  very  melting  time  in  difcourf- 
ing  on  the  fubjeft  of  the  Canaanitijb  woman* 
And  I  believe,  brother  S,  was  perfuaded  that  he 
•  ought  to  be  in  this  circuit  with  me. 

Monday  18.  This  was  a  day  of  much  temp- 
tation, but  my  deliverer  was  at  hand.  At  C.  S.'s, 
I  found  a  few  from  the  Ridge  who  informed  me 
that  fome  attended  yeflerday  in  the  rain.  Hence 
J  conclude,  many  of  them  had  a  defire  to  be  faved  ; 
C  c  and 


(      302      ) 

and  that  it  is  beft  for  a  preacher  to  attend  his  ap- 
pointments, if  the  apparent  rifk  is  not  too  great. 
1  preached  to  the  people  with  much  affection;  ma- 
ny felt  the  weight  of  the  word  ;  and  a  young  wo- 
man was  convinced  of  fin. 

Tuefday  19.  The  pacific  Spirit  of  grace  had 
pofTefiion  of  my  willing  heart.  After  preaching  at 
Mr.  G.'s  to  a  few  fouls  as  dull  as  ufual,  I  croiTed 
the  river  in  the  rain  ;  and  though  I  expected  to 
feel  the  confequence,  yet  fuffered  no  injury. 

Wednefday  20.  How  unlike  real  Chriftians 
are  fome  that  bear  the  name  !  The  Lord  hath 
enabled  me  of  late,  to  be  faithful  to  the  families 
-which  have  come  in  my  way.  And  we  mufl 
overcome  our  natural  bafhfulnefs  and  backward- 
nefs,  to  affift  the  precious  fouls  of  our  fellow-men, 
who  are  on  the  brink  of  endlefs  ruin,  and  fee  it 
not.  On  Thurfday  both  the  public  congregation 
and  the  clafs  were  powerfully  melted  at  Mr.  C.'s. 

Lord's-day  24.  I  was  much  fatigued  by  riding 
twenty-five  miles  and  preaching  twice.  A  report 
-that  a  Britiih  fleet  was  failing  up  the  Che/apeak 
bay,  has  induced  many  people  to  quit  Annapolis. 
So  it  feems  our  troubles  and  forrows  are  increaf- 
ing.  Lord,  give  thy  people  faith  and  patience 
fufficient  for  their  day  of  trial  ! 

Monday  25.  My  foul  confided  in  GOD,  but 
was  fweetly  diftrefled  with  an  ardent  defire  for 
more  compleat  holinefs.  I  have  lately  read 
Walker's  fermons  with  much  pleafure.  We  had 
an  awful  .ftorm  this  evening  at  nine  o'clock.  The 
thunder,lightmng>and  fweeping  winds,  were  all  in 
great  commotion.  With  reverence  I  turned  my 
mind  on  the  dread  majefty  and  power  of  GOD, 
who,  by  the  elements  in  which  we  live,  contends 
with  man.  Such  a  fcene  as  this  was  enough  to 
strike  .the  bckleft  finner  with    terror,  and  make 

him 


(     3C3     ) 

him  even  (hndder  at  a  wicked  thought.  And  hovr 
dare  wicked  men  Cm  at  any  time  before  a  GOD 
fo  terrible  ?  Is  he  lefs  prefent  at  one  time  than 
another  ?  No,  verily  !  But  they  defire  not  the 
knowledge  of  GOD.  Their  furprize  mud  be 
great  beyond  all  expreflion,  when  difemtx 
they  fuddenly  find  themfelvcs,  by  woftd  expe* 
rience,  acquainted  with  nothing  pertaining  to 
their  offended  GOD,  but  his  inexorable  juftice 
and  vengeful  power  •,  of  which  the  awful  \. 
we  now  behold  in  the  contending  elements,  are 
but  a  faint  refemblance.  Then  how  much  better 
is  it,  to  fufTer  affliction  with  the  people  of  GOD, 
than  to  enjoy  the  pleafures  of  fin  for  a  feafon  ? 

"  Happy  the  man  whofe  hopes  rely 
"  On  i/rael's  GOD  -,  he  made  the  foy, 

"   And  earth,  and  feas,  with  ail  their  train  °r. 
"  His  truth  for  ever  (lands  fecure  ! 
"  He  fives  the  opprefs'd,  he  feeds  the.  poor, 

"  And  none  (hall  find  his  promile  vain." 

Tuefday  26.  T.  W.  informed  me  that  they 
had  made  choice  of  me  to  preach  in  the  G.  C 
But  I  fhall  do  nothing  that  will  feparate  me  from 
my  brethren.  I  hope  to  live  and  die  a  Me- 
ttiodij}. 

Wednefday  27.  Though  it  rained  I  rode 
twenty-five  miles  to  Maggotty,  but  was  tempted 
and  (hut  up  in  my  mind,  while  endeavouring  to 
announce,  If  GOD  be  fir  us,  "who  can  be  againjl 
us'?  But  the  next  day  my  foul  was  happy  at  Mr. 
iVs,  and  I  admitted  four  perfons  into  the  fociety 
on  trial.  The  militia  were  now  collecting  from 
all  quarters.  On  the  Lord's-day  my  foul  wa3 
much  drawn  out  and  bleffed  in  preaching  on  1 
John  ii,   16,  17.     Perhaps  it  will  not  be  in  rojf 

pov,  er 


(     3°4     ) 

power  to  preach  much  longer  with  a  clear  con- 
science. But  if  it  mould  be  fo,  my  greateft  con- 
cern would  he  for  the  people  of  GOD.  For  ma- 
ny of  the  poor  finners  feem  deaf  to  all  intreaties  ; 
and  I  feem  to  be  only  a  witnefs  for  GOD  againfx 
them,  that  their  damnation  may  be  juft,  if  they 
will  not  obey  the  gofpel. 

Monday  September  i.  The  Lord  refrefhed 
my  own  fpirit,  while  I  encouraged  the  few  faith- 
ful fouls  who  were  prefent,  from  the  words  of 
our  Lord,  Fear  ?ioty  little  flock,  for  it  is  your\Fa» 
ther*s  good  pleafure  to  give  you  the  kingdom.  Brother 
D.  R.  who  had  returned  from  Virginia  met  me 
to-day. 

Wednefday  3.  My  foul  was  watered  with  the 
peaceful  influence  of  divine  grace.  But  what  I 
enjoyed  was  as  a  ftimulus  urging  me  to  groan 
for  more.  I  fpent  much  of  my  time  in  reading 
La*u£s  ferious  call,  and  Baxters  call  to  the  un- 
.  ited  ;  and  think  the  latter  is  one  of  the  bed 
pieces  of  human  compolition  in  the  world,  to 
awaken  the  lethargic  fouls  of  poor  finners. 

Ivly  mind  was  under  heavy  exercifes  ;  fo  I 
failed,  and  preached  with  much  freedom  at 
Mr.  T.'s :  but  it  brought  on  a  fmart  fever. 
Though  I  was  much  indifpofed,  neceflity  was 
laid  upon  me  to  preach  twice  on  Thurfday, 
which  increased  my  fever  j  and  with  indifferent 
lodging  and  the  noife  of  children,  the  night  was 
very  uncomfortable. 

Lord's-day  7.  After  being  bleffed  with  a  warm 
and  comfortable  feafon  while  preaching  to  a  large 
company  at  Mr.  H.'s  ;  I  then  rode  to  the  widow 
P.'s,  where  the  word  went  to  the  hearts  of  the 
people  with  divine  energy,  while  I  expofed  to 
their  view  the  polluted  ftate  of  the  natural  man, 
and  pointed  out  the  fovereign  remedy. 

Tuefday 


(     3-5     ) 

Tuefday  9.  My  mind  was  (o  inteniely  bent  c.i 
feeking.  after  more  of  GOD,  that  I  devoted  thrcs 
ho-urs  to  the  exercife  of  private  prayer,  and  found 
myfelf  much  drawn  out  by  the  .Spirit  of  grace,  hi 
holy  wreftling  and  communion  with  GOD.  Be- 
ing informed  that  fitter  S.  had  flept  in  the  Lord  ;  ■ 
I'  congratulated  her  felicity.  Happy  foul  !  She 
is  taken  away  from  the  evil  to  come,  and  gone  to 
Abraham's,  bofom,  where  the  wicked  ceafe  from 
troubling,  and  where  the  weary  are  at  reft.  I 
have  endeavoured  to  banifli  all  anxiety  from  my 
mind,  and  devote  much  of  my  time  to  prayer ;  and 
have  reaped  the  gracious  benefit  thereof  in  my 
own  foul.  On  Wednefdav  I  went  to  Mappottv* 
and  had  a  large  congregation  :  but  found  that 
fome  of  our  members  had  begun  to  backflide,  and 
that  the  fociety  flood  in  need  of  purging. 

Thurfday  II.  By  particular  requeft,I  preach- 
ed a  funeral  fermon  at  the  burial  of  Mr.  W.  R. 
There   were  a  great  many  people  ;   and  fome   of 

i  them  were  cut  to  the  heart  while  I  enforced 
Ecclef.  ix.    10.     But  afterwards  at  Mr.  iVs,  my 

1  mind  wasfomewhat  embarraiied. 

Friday  12.     In  performing  the    laft  office  for 

I  X.  S.  who  was  a  Chrijlian  indeed,  I  declared  for 
the  comfort  of  true  believers,   The  lajl  enemy  that 

Jhall  be  dejtroyed  is  death.  Some  attended  on  this 
occafion  who  had  never  heard  a  Meihodijl  be- 
fore;  and  the  Lord  gave  me  utterance  and 
power, 

Monday  15.  We  have  great  commotions  on 
every  fide.  But  in  the  midft  of  war,  the  Lord 
keeps  my  foul  in  peace.  My  heart  was  warm  in 
preaching  at  C.  S.'s,  though  the  congregation 
feemed  dull.  The  two  following  days  I  had  com- 
munion with  GOD  ;  but  not  in  fuch  a  degree  as 

jlwilhto  experience.  Hong  ti  comprehend  the  length,  . 
C.c  2  -  and 


{     3°S     ) 

and  breadth^  and  depth)  and  height  ,•  and  to  know  the 
love  of  Chrijl  which  paJJ'etb  knowledge^  that  1  may  bi 
filled  with  all  the fulnefs  of  GOD  :   to 

"  Live  the  life  of  heaven  above, 
"  All  the  glorious  life  of  love." 

Thurfday  18.  At  Mr.  W.'s,  I  met  with  brother 
S.  S.  who  informed  me  that  the  preachers  in  Vir- 
ginia intended  to  abide  there  a-while  longer. 
Brother  S.  preached  twice,  and  there  was  fome 
fmall  moving  amongfl  the  people. 

Lord's-day  21.  There  was  nothing  remarkable 
under  the  word  at  Mr.  2Vs;  but  there  was  a 
large  company  and  fome  melting  of  heart  at 
Mr.    TVs. 

Monday  22.  I  met  with  brother  G.  S.  who 
informed  me  that  my  brethren  Mr.  R — n  and 
Mr.  R — ay  had  left  the  continent.  So  we  are  left 
alone.  But  I  leave  myfelf  in  the  hands  of  GOD  > 
relying  on  his  good  Providence  to  direct,  and  pro- 
tect us :  perfuaded  that  nothing  will  befal  me, 
but  what  ihall  conduce  to  his  glory  and  my  bene- 
fit.  There  were  both  attention  and  concern  in 
the  congregation,  which  was  pretty  large,  at 
Capt.  S.'s. 

Lord's-day  28.  Brother  G,  S.  was  unwell 
with  an  ague.  At  Rijlerjlown  I  urged  the  ne- 
ceffity  of  family  duty,  and  fliewed  them  how  they 
ibould  train  up  their  children  in  the  ways  of  the 
Lord. 

Monday  29.  My  foul  was  ftaid  upon  GOD, 
and  reiigned  to  his  unerring  wifdom.  I  wifh  to 
bj  fo  fubjecl:  to  my  Redeemer,  as  to  move  in  con- 
formity to  his  divine  will  j  and  in  all  my  ways 
t  >  acknowledge  him  as  my  GOD  and  my  guide. 
I  fpent  part  of  my  time  the  next  day  in  reading 
1  Mr. 


(     3°7     ) 

Mr.  Baxter  6  Gilclas  Salvianus,  and  efteem  it  as  a 
moil  excellent  book  for  a  goipel  preacher. 

Saturday  October  4.  I  rode  30  miles  to  G.  B.ys 
to  meet  brother  P — d.  My  mind  was  fpiritually 
employed  in  reading,  meditation,  and  communion 
with  GOD. 

Lord's-day  5.  The  congregation  at  G.  B.'s 
were  dull ;  but  at  B.  GVs  there  was  a  melting. 

Tuefday  7.  The  word  feemed  to  be  made  a 
peculiar  blefling  to  the  believers  at  LH.'s,  and  the 
next  day  at  Mr.  E.'s,  the  power  of  GOD  was 
prefent,  while  I  feelingly  urged  the  people  from 
Heb.  iv.  1 6.  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  to  the  throne 
of  grace ,  that  ive  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace 
to  help  in  time  of  need.  My  fpirit  was  alfo  divinely 
animated  in  preaching  afterwards  at  R.  O.'s, 
though  I  rode  twenty  miles  between  the  two  fer- 
mons.  Several  old  profefTors  felt  the  reviving 
influence  of  the  grace  of  GOD  :  and  I  was  in 
hopes  they  would  prefs  on  their  way  with  renew- 
ed vigour.  Such  is  the  languid  difpofition  of  the 
human  foul,  that  even  pure  minds  require  a  con- 
itant  ftimulation  to  keep  them  in  the  way  of  duty. 
This  is  one  reafon  why  GOD  permits  our  minds 
to  be  tempted  by  Satan,  and  our  bodies  to  be  af^ 
flicted  with  diieafes. 

Saturday  11.  I  attended  and  fpoke  at  the  half- 
yearly  meeting  of  the  Germans.  And  on  the 
Lord's-day,  after  preaching  at  Mrs.  D.'s,  I  return- 
ed to  the  meeting  of  the  Germans,  where  brother 
G.  S.  and  myfelf  both  fpoke. 

Monday  13.  Commotions  and  troubles  fur- 
rounded  me  without,  but  the  peace  of  GOD 
filled  my  foul  within.  "We  feemed  to  be  in  a 
flrait ;  but  my  heart  trufted  in  the  Lord.  Thefe 
diftreiling  times  have  lately  induced  many  people 
to  pay  a  more  diligent  attention  to  the  things  of 

GOD. 


(     303     f 

.GOD.  So  I  have  hopes  that  thefe  temporal 
troubles  will  prepare  the  way  for  fpiritual 
bleffings. 

Wednefday  15.  Aheavy.gloominefs  hung  on  my 
mind.  Brother.  G.  5.  and  I  rode  to  Mr.  H.'s  ;  and 
after  I  had  enforced  thefe  words,  Therefore,  jrry 
beloved  brethren,  be  ye  fleadfaj},  immoveable,  always 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  .for •a/much  as  ye 
know,  that  your  labour  is  net  in  vain  in  the  Lord  i 
then  brother  S.  exhorted,  and  the  hearts  of  the 
people  melted  under  the  power  of  the  word.  We 
like  wife  faw  the  merciful  hand  of  GOD  difplay- 
ed  the  next  day,  at  Mr.  W's,  on  the  bank  of  the 
Patotnack. 

Lord's-day  19.  As  I  was  unwell,  brother  S. 
preached  in  the  morning  on,  Thy  kingdom  come ; 
and  there  was  a  moving  in  the  congregation.  Ke 
alfo  preached  in  the  afternoon  at  Mr.  2?.'s,  but  it 
was  a  large  company  of  flupid  fouls. 

Monday  20.  After  I  had  preached,  brother 
S.  met  the  clafs  *,  and  it  was  a  very  powerful  fea- 
fon  ;  he  alfo  met  a  clafs  afterwards  at  Mr.  5 — rs9 
and  we  were  favoured  with  a  fimilar  blefling, 
This  has  been  a  day  of  fpiritual  and  peaceful  ex- 
ercifes  to  my  fouh  At  Mr.  H.'s  on  Tuefday  we 
were  blefled  with  an  extraordinary  viiitation  o£ 
grace. 

Thurfday3o»  We  have  been  detained  by  heavy 
rains  at  IF.  S.'s,  for  three  daysr  The  times  ftiU 
wear  a  gloomy  afpect,  b-ut  our  truft  is  in  the  Pro-* 
vidence  of  a  fuperintending  GOD.  We  have 
been  greatly  bleiTed,  and  feen  great  difplays  of 
the  divine  goodnefs,  fince  we  have  been  together. 
And  we  have  been  made  a  bleffmg  to  each  other* 
We  now  left  Mr.  S.'s  and  rode  to  Rocky-creek 

Lord's-day  November  2.  I  cried  in  the  morn- 
ing to  a  large  congregatica  at  Mr.  J — n%  V/e 


(     3^9    ) 

fray  you  in  ChrijTs  flead,  be  ye  reconciled  to 
GOD ;  and  in  the  afternoon  at  the  Sugar-loaf 
Why  will  ye  die  P  And  my  foul  was  enlarged  and 
blefTed  both  times.  I  then  rode  to  G.  G.'s,  which 
made  about  20  miles  in  the  day. 

Monday  3.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began, 
and  brother  S.  preached  on  the  fubject  of  the  bar- 
ren Jig-tree.  On  Tueulay  we  held  our  love-feail 
at  9,  and  I  preached  at  1  2.  Our  brethren  O — g, 
C.  S — g,  and  S — d  all  fpoke.  There  were 
many  friends  from  Virginia,  and  the  congrega- 
tion was  very  large.  It  was  a  powerful,  melting 
time,  and  concluded  in  the  fpirit  of  love. 

Wednefday  5.  After  riding  thirty-feven  miles 
I  came  to  Baltimore,  but  was  very  weary  ;  though 
my  mind  was  calmly  ftaid  on   GOD. 

Friday  7.  Went  to  Mr.  G.'s,  and  on  Saturday 
preached  on  3  John  4.  I  have  no  greater  joy  than 
to  hear  that  my  children  tualk  in  truth. 

Lord's-day  9.  After  preaching  with  freedom 
of  fpirit  and  fpeech  at  the  Forks,  I  returned  to 
Mr.  G.'s  and  declared,  Te  are  the  fait  of  the  earth, 
My  foul  has  been  kept  by  the  grace  of  GOD  ; 
and 

"  Calm  on  :amu!t's  wheels  I  fit." 

Monday  10.  "We  fet  out  for  the  quarterly 
meeting  at  Deer-creek.  On  Tuefday  our  love-feaft 
began  at  IO,  and  at  half  pad  2  I  began  the  public 
exercifes  from  Heb.  xiii.  17,  18.  Obey  them  that 
have  the  rule  over  you,  and  fulmlt  yourfclves  :  for 
they  watch  for  your  fouls,  as  they  that  mujl  give  ac- 
count :  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not  with 
grief :  for  this  is  unprofitable  for  you.  Pray  for  us  : 
j'or  we  trujl  we  have  a  good  confeience,  in  all  things 
willing  to  live  honejlly.     The  preachers   were  (la- 

tioned 


(     3">    ) 

tioned  without  any  trouble  j  and  all  was  done  hi 
harmony  and  love. 

Wednefday  12.  I  rede  back  to  Mr.  G.'s,  in 
order  to  attend  a  quarterly  meeting  on  Curtis's* 
creek.  The  Lord  has  lately  kept  my  foul  in  tran- 
quil peace,  not  much  difturbed  by  Satan.  I  now 
purpofed,  by  the  grace  of  GOD,  as  often  as  time 
will  permit,  to  read  hx  chapters  every  day  in  my 
bible. 

Saturday  15.  Great  numbers  of  people  attend- 
ed at  the  quarterly  meeting.  Preaching  on  Acts 
xiv.  22.  I  endeavoured  to  imitate  the  apoftles — 
Confirming  the  foals  of  the  difciples,  and  exhorting 
them  to  continue  in  the  faith,  and  that  ive  mujl 
through  much  tribulation  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
GOD.  The  power  of  divine  grace  was  greatly 
felt  in  the  love-feaft,  and  all  our  bufinefs  was  well 
conducted. 

LordVday  16.  Having  firil  preached  at  the 
widow  H.'s,  I  rode  to  Baltimore  and  preached 
there.  On  Tuefday  I  was  blefTed  in  a  vifit  to, 
Mr.  G.'s. 

Wednefday  19.  Rode  to  Rifle  rfioivn,  and 
found  that  GOD  was  my  fufneient  portion,  and 
my  exceeding  great  reward.  I  wanted  nothing 
pertaining  to  this  world  more  than  I  poiTefTed — 
neither  cloathing,  nor  money,  nor  food.  BlefTed. 
be  GOD,  for  his  parental  love  and  tender  care 
towards  me  ! 

"  Nothing  on  earth  I  call  my  own  : 
"  A  ftranger  to  the  world  unknown  :, 

"  I  all  their  goods  defpife ; 
(i  I  trample  on  their  whole  delight, 
ct  And  feek  a  country  out  of  fight, 

"  A  country  in  the  ikies." 

Fridays 


(     3ii     ) 

Friday  21.  I  have  endeavoured  to  improve 
my  time  to  the  beft  advantage  in  reading;  and 
have  feen.  fo  much  beauty  in  holinefs,  that  I  have 
thirfted  and  longed  for  more.  My  defire  is,  like 
Abraham,  the  father  of  the  faithful,  to  maintain  a 
conftant  walk  with  GOD. 

Lord's-day  23.  At  Mr.  S.'s  I  expofed  the  un- 
juft  plea  which  many  make  againit  ferving  GOD, 
from  Matt.  xxv.  24.  Then  he  which  had  received 
the  o?ie  talent  came,  and  /aid.  Lord,  I  knew  thee  that 
thou  art  an  hard  man,  reaping  where  thou  hajl  not 
Jown,  and  gathering  where  thou  hajl  not  JJ rawed. 
Thus  do  thoufands  charge  GOD  foolifhly.  "We 
cannot  repent  and  bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  re- 
pentance— we  cannot  ceafe  from  evil,  and  learn 
to  do  well — we  cannot  deny  ourfelves,  and  take 
up  our  crofs — we  cannot  come  to  Chrill  that  we 
may  have  life.  At  leaft,  we  cannot  do  thefe 
things  now  ;  we  mufl  waitGOD's  time."  But 
GOD  requireth  thefe  things  now;  therefore, 
thofe  who  fay  they  cannot  do  them,  pradlically 
.fay,  he  is  a  hard  matter.  At  Rifterjiown  in  the 
afternoon,  my  heart  was  expanded,  and  my  mouth 
was  opened,  while  I  declared,  He  that  being  often 
reproved  hardcneth  his  neck,  JJjallfuddenly  be  defxroy- 
ed,  and  that  without  remedy.  On  Monday  I  parted 
with  IV.  G.   and  S.  S. 

Wednefday  26.  I  came  to  Mr.  G.'s  on  my 
<way  to  the  Eajlern  /hore.  On  Saturday  I  intend- 
ed to  have  crofTed  the  bay,  but  was  prevented  by 
the  weather.  My  foul  has  lately  felt  much  of  the 
power  of  GOD,  and  I  have  been  enabled  to  trull 
liim  with  myfelf,  and  all  my  concerns. 

Monday  December  1.  I  left  Mr.  G'.'s,  and 
after  croffing  the  bay  came  in  fafety,  at  night,  to 
Mr.  H.'s  -,  having  been  abfent  more  than  four 
years,  though  I  was  the  firft  of  our  preachers  who 

carried 


(      3*2      > 

carried  ihe  gofpel  into  this  neighbourhood.  My 
heart  was  thankful  to  GOD  for  his  providential 
and  gracious  prefervation  of  me.  The  next  day 
I  went  to  the  ifland,  and  preached  with  fome 
warmth,  and  then  returned.  The  two  following 
days,  we  had  profitable  times  both  in  preaching 
and  clafs-meetings. 

Thurfday  4.  Preaching  and  meeting  the  clafs 
at  Mr.  G/s,  1  found  the  Lord  had  carried  on  a 
good  work  in  the  fouls  of  many.  Bleffed  be  GOD  ! 
my  foul  was  in  a  comfortable  frame,  and  my  bo- 
dy was  the  better  for  exercife. 

Lord's-day  7.  Though  I  fpoke  with  feeling 
and  warmth,  yet  the  people  were  dull  both  at 
F.  TVs  and  Mr.  H.'s.  But  my  own  foul  was  kept 
in  folemn  nearnefs  to  GOD,  and  filled  with  peace 
and  love.  And  I  am  perfuaded  that  my  appoint- 
ment to  this  circuit  is  by  divine  Providence. 

Thurfday  11.  Early  in  the  morning  I  felt  a 
ftrong  defire  for  more  of  GOD.  At  Mr.  W.'s 
my  foul  was  much  refrefhed  in  preaching  and 
clafs-meeting.  As  the  congregations  are  generally 
large,  and  molt  of  the  people  attentive,  we  have 
a  much  greater  profpeft  of  doing  good  in  this 
circuit, than  in  fome  others. 

Saturday  13.  I  have  been  bleffed  with  faith, 
,cmd  hope,  and  love.  Lord,  if  troubles  are  near, 
be  thou  nearer  ftill  to  protect  and  comfort  me ; 
fo  (hall  I  not  fear  what  man  can  do  unto  me  ! 

Lord's-day  14.  We  had  a  good  time  in  the 
forenoon,  and  I  found  the  clafs  in  better  condi- 
tion than  I  expected.  In  the  afternoon  the  Lord 
blefled  me  with  freedom  and  folid  peace,  while 
preaching  at  /.  &'s  on  Ezek.  xxxiii.  11.  There 
is  a  great  profpecl:  of  faving  fouls  in  this  neigh- 
bourhood, if  preaching  can  be  continued. 

Monday 


f        7  f  7        > 

Monday   15.      There    was    a    fimple,    1' ■• 
people   ailemb'ed    at    Mr.    S.'s ;   and  many   were 
powerfully  wrought    on  while  I  enforced  the  di- 
mne  command,  Seek  yefirfi  -fGOD> 

and  his  righteoufnefsy  and  all  thefe  things  /h 
added  unto  you ,  Matt,  vii.  33.  For  feme  days  pad, 
my  fpirit  has  been  rather  hurried,  and  f< 
.tempted  by  Satan  ;  but  wonderfully  fupported  by 
the  grace  of  GOD.  An  agreeable  profpeel  opens 
to  my  imagination,  if  Providence  fhould  permit 
rne  to  fpend  the  winter  in  this  circuit. 

Tuefday  16.  At  Mr.  JF.'s  I  met  with  B.  S. 
who  once  preached  the  gofpel,  and  a  bleiling  at- 
tended his  labours.  Thurfday  was  a  public  fail- 
clay,  and  my  foul  was  kept  in  a  degree  of  peace, 
but  (Iruggled  much  for  a  more  conllant,  fervent 
fpirit  of  devotion. 

Having  preached  at  Mr.  G?s,  I  rode  to  T. 
IV ^ 's,  and  lectured  in  the  evening  with  fatisfac- 
<tion  from  the  firil  Pfalm.  On  Saturday  I 
much  embarraffed  in  preaching  at  Mr.  II — cPs% 
and  under  a  heavy  cloud  rode  to  H — nfs.  Lu: 
.on  the  Lcrd's-day  my  heart  was  enlarged  and  in- 
flamed with  love,  while  preaching  to  a  large  au- 
dience on  2  Theff.  i.  6,  7,  8. 

Monday  22.  I  preached  a  funeral  fermon  near 
the  nine  bridges^  and  met  with  a  young  minifler 
•who  had  been  under  divine  impredions  :  my  heart 
at  that  time  was  much  united  to  him;  but  he  af- 
terwards became  a  lawyer.  * 

Tuefday  23.  Rode  through  Chejltrtavsn^  about 
thirty  miles,  to  Mr.  H.'s,  and  enjoyed  fome  refc 
from  a  part  of  my  labour.  In  reading  Jofepbus 
I  have  been  led  to  refieel  on  the  difordcrand  con- 
fufion  which  have  always  overfpread  the  earth,  in 
a  greater  or  lefs  degree,  ever  fince  the  intro- 
puclion  of  (in.     BleiTed  be  GOD  !   rny   thin 

D  d  ken;: 


(     3M     ) 

kept  free  from  ail  tormenting  fear :  and  although 
my  fpiritual  trials  are  various  and  great,  his  grace 
ib  always  found  fufficient  for  me.  The  next  day 
1  exhorted  the  people  who  came  together,  and 
we  fpent  fome  time  in  prayer. 

Thurfday  25.  Mr.  W.  read  a  good  fermon 
fuitable  to  the  day  at  church  Many  people  at- 
tended at  the  preaching  houfe,  where  I  declared 
from  1  Tim.  i.  15.  %  his  is  a  faithful  faying,  and 
iwcrthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrifl  Jefus  came  into 
the  world  to  fuve  fmners.  The  language  of  my 
heart  on  this  Chriftmas-day  was,  Whom  have  I 
in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon  earth 
that  I  defire  beftdes  thee.  The  next  morning  alfo 
I  was  in  the  fpirit  of  devotion,  and  enjoyed  the 
peace  of  GOD  which  paffeth  all  underftanding. 
Having  preached  a  funeral  fermon  in  the  fore- 
noon, I  addrefted  the  congregation  at  Mr.  H.% 
from  John  i.  45,  46. 

Thurfday,  Jan.  1.  Though  the  weather  has 
been  very  cold  for  feveral  days,  I  have  had  to  ride, 
fometimes  a  confiderable  diftance,  and  preach 
•every. day.  This  day  I  preached  a  funeral  fer- 
mon on  the  death  of  the  daughter  of  her  who  was 
buried  laft  Friday.  My  text  was,  This  year  thou 
Jhalt  die.  Death  like  a  cruel  conqueror,  fpareth 
none  on  whom  he  feizeth ;  but  fendeth  them  to 
the  fhades  of  eternity,  without  refpecl  to  age  or 
•condition  ! 

Friday  2.  I  experienced  much  of  the  love  of 
jefus  Chrifl  (hed  abroad  in  my  heart ;  and  through 
his  meritorious  .mediation,  found  a  delightful 
nearnefs  to  GOD.  Indeed  I  :have  found  great 
happinefs  during  this  Chriftmas  feafon,  and  >have 
endeavoured  to  redeem  my  time  by  diligent  in- 
duftry.  May  the  Lord  keep  me  fteadfalt  and 
faithful  to  the  end,  and  blefs  me  with  an  abiding 

witnefs 


(     3'5     ) 

witnefs  that  I  love  him  with  ail  my  heart  !  The 
people  were  lively  to-day  at  Mr.  C.'s,  and  efpe- 
cially  in  the  clafs-meeting. 

Lord's-day  4.  The  word  of  the  Lord  went  to 
the  hearts  of  the  people  with  cutting  power,  both 
at  Frederic  in  the  forenoon,  and  at  Mr.  H — nt 
in  the  afternoon.  But  my  own  mind  has  b 
under  exercifes  from  Satan.  On  Monday  my 
fpirit  was  grieved  for  want  of  more  fpiritua 
and  more  of  GOD.  The  congregation  at  Mr. 
S — //s,  was  large  but  dull.  But  the  people  feem- 
ed  quickened  both  at  Mr.  A.\  on  Tuefday,  and 
at  Mr.  H—  d's  on  Wednefday. 

Thurfday  8.  I  enjoyed  fweet  communion  with 
GOD  this  morning,  and  was  enabled  to  reft  my 
foul  on  him  as  my  never-failing  fupport.  GOD 
was  powerfully  with  us  at  Mr.  S — w9s  on  Friday, 
and  the  people  felt  the  weight  of  divine  truths. 

Lord's-day  1 1.  By  reafon  of  the  fnow  the  con- 
gregations were  fmall,  but  the  Lord  gave  us  his 
blefling.  My  foul  has  poflefTed  a  holy  calm  ;  and 
I  have  found  the  Lord  conftantly  with  me,  in  11 
greater  or  lefs  degree.  I  have juft  finiflied  the  lait 
volume  of  JVhifton's  Jjfephus,  and  am  furprized 
that  at  the  age  of  feventy,  Mr.  Wh'ijlm  ihouKl 
fpend  fo  much  of  his  time  infuch  a  dry,  chrono- 
logical work.  How  much  better  was  Mr.  Baxter 
employed,  when  he  thought  himfelf  near  to  eter- 
nity— meditating  and  writing  on  the  Saints*  ever- 
lafting  reft. 

Tuefday  13.  A  folemn,  comfortable  kn(e  of 
GOD  refted  on  my  foul  this  morning  ;  and  at 
Mr.  2Vs,  there  was  a  good  congregation  of  poor, 
but  ferious  and  defirous  people.  At  the  widow 
y.'s  on  Wednefday,  there  was  a  general  melting, 
and  fix  were  received  into  thefociety  on  trial.  So 
there  is  fome  ground  to  hope  that  this  place, which 

haa 


(     3>6    ) 

tppeared  to  be  barren,  will  yet  bring  forth  the 
fruits  of  righteoufnefs.  Many  were  alfo  much 
afrecled  at  Mr.  V.'s  :  after  the  fervice  was  ended, 
two  men  in  arms  came  up  ;  but  they  went  away 
without  making  known  their  defign. 

Friday  16.  I  found  great  liberty  of  fpirit  and 
fpeech  at  Mr.  G.'s  ;  and  there  met  with  brother 
G .  S. 

Lord's-day  18.  After  difcourfmg  at  Mr. 
A — «'s  on  the  parable  of  the  fower,  I  thought  it 
proper  to  remove  the  preaching  to  another  houfe  : 
for   his  religious  fentiments   did  not  agree  with 

Tusfday  20.     My  foul  was  kept  humble  and 

watchful:  and   1  have  been  enabled  to  put  my 

Whole  truft  in  GOD,  on  all  occafions.     Brother 

■■:  fent   me-  fome    account  of    the   work    of 

GOD  ;  and  I  am  ftrongly  perfuaded  that  he  will 

.  ad  his  own  caufe,  and  his  own  people. 

Wednefday  21.  The  houfe  was  not  fuflicient 
to  contain  the  congregation  at  the  widow  TF.'o, 
iUid  the  word  went  with  power  to  the  hearts  of 
;he  people.  Thurfday  was  a  very  cold  day,  yet 
many,  both  rich  and  poor,  attended  at  /.  AV.s.  | 
And  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  fbew  them  plainly, 
rhat  lengths  a  man  may  go  in  the  externals  of 
religion,  and  be  but  almojl  a  Chriflian. 

Friday  23.  My  heart  was  fixed  on  GOD.  I 
have  lately  found  more  fweetnefsand  delight  than 
ever  before,  in  reading  the  Old  Teftament.  And 
having  met  with  Luther's  comment  on  the  Gala- 
tiatis9~l  have  begun  to  read  that.  After  riding 
eight  miles  to  Mr.  H.'syI  found  that  I  had  8  miles 
farther  to  ride,  to  preach  a  funeral  fermon  at  Mr. 
F.'s  :  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  reded  upon  my 
ioul.  Then  rode  five  miles  more,  in  great  peace 
and  iove3  to  lodge  at  Mr..  M.'s. 

Lord's-day 


(     3*1    ) 

LordVday  25.     Many  attended  at  Mr.  R.' 
the  forenoon,  and  GOD  gave  me  power  to  fpeafe 
to  their  hearts.      I  then   ;-ode  ten  miles  farther  to 
,  the  meeting-houfe,    and  preached  to  about  three 
hundred  felemn  and  attentive  people. 

Tuefday  27.  Both  my  body  and  mind  were 
under  a  heavy  gloom.  Attempting  to  preach  in 
£^iaker-:ifcky  my  mind  was  fluit  up,  and  I  had  no 
power  to  fpeak  to  the  people.  This  is  very  pain- 
ful and  difagreeable ;  but  it  ought  to  be  borne 
with  patience.-  Phyfic  is  neceflfury  fometimes,  as 
well  as  food.- 

Wednefday  28.  My  foul  had  peace,  and  en- 
joyed fweet  reft  in  GOD,  after  all  my  trials.  May 
lever  glorify  him,  even  in  the  fires  !  Darkprof- 
pects,  in  temporal  matters,  pre  fen  t  themfeives  to 
my  view.  But  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  over  the 
righteous  ;  and  he  hath  promifed  to  be  a  wail  of 
fire  round  about  his  church,  and  the  glory  in  1 
mid/}  of  her.  I  preached  a  funeral  fermon  at  the 
meeting-houfe  on  1  Cor.  xv.  20.  But  mw  is 
Chrijl  rifenfrom  the  deady  and  become  the  firjl  fruits 
\  of  them  that  Jlept.  There  were  many  people  on 
this  folemn  occafion,  and  my  heart  was  enlarged 
towards  them. 

Lord's-day  February  2.  We  had  agoodtir.: 
at  Frederic  in  the  forenoon,  and  I  found  myfelf  at 
liberty  in  the  afternoon  at  Mr.  H's.  My  hear?: 
feels  nothing  contrary  to  love  and  purity  >  and  the 
effect  thereof  is  abundant  peace,  Troubles  flare 
me  in  the  face  ;  but  I  have  confidence  towards 
GOD,  and  without  perplexing  myfelf  with  anx- 
ious care,  will  leave  all  events  to  him. 

Monday  3.    There  was  Corns  appearance  of  a 

revival  at  Mr.  S.'s ;  and  the  Lord  bleffed  my  foul 

with  liberty,  peace,   and  love.     On  Tuefday  we 

had  a  love-feaft  at  L.  <d.'s,  and  many  delivered 

D  d  2  thew 


rfieir  affectionate  teftimoiiy  of  GOD's  good 

and  love  in  Chrift  Jeius. 

Wednefday  5.  I  received  a  ftrange  account 
which  had  been  atLeiied  on  oath  by  the  people  who 
lived  in  the  houfe  ;  but  am  at  a  lofs  to  know 
what  judgment  to  pafs  upon  it.     The   fact   was- 

this  : a  wicked  young  fellow,  whofe  friends 

countenanced  the  truths  of  the  gofpel,  was  difpo- 
fed,  it  feems-,  to  curfe  the  preacher  ;  but  being  de- 
terred from  doing  it  openly,  he  went  to  the  place 
of  worfhip,  with  a  defign  to  curfe  him  in  his  heart- 
It  feems  he  was  (truck  with  terror,  and  foon  after 
died.  His  own  brother  faid,  the  devil  pulled  his- 
heart  out. 

Lord's-day  9.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  jF.'s  in 
the  forenoon,  I  met  the  congregation  at  Mr.  S.'s, 
who  is  a  linking  inftance  of  the  power  and  good- 
nefs  of  GOD  :  fome  time  ago  he  was,  like  Saulr 
an  crpofer  of  the  truth,  but  grace  hath  changed 
i'iis  heart. 

Thurfday  13.  The  Lord  hath  fupported  me" 
in  preaching  at  every  place  ;  and  this  day  I  came 
to  T.  W.%  and  met  brother  G.  S.  The  martial, 
threatening  afpett.  of  the  times,  has  had  a  great 
tendency  to  keep  me  clofe  to  GOD  :  and  my  foul 
has  experienced  the  benefit. 

Saturday  15.  I  had  much  peace,  but  too  much) 

company  :  my  time  was  not  (pent  to  the  greater! 

advantage.     Bui  the  next  day  I  felt  the  power  of 

•  truths  in  my  own  heart,  while  preaching  at 

E.  JV.'s,  from  1   Pet.  i.    13,  14,  15.- 

Monday  17.  Our  quarterly-meeting  began  in 
Mr.  TF.'s  bam,  and  numbers  attended  from  dif— 
ferent  parts.  On  Tuefday  morning  we  held  our 
fove-feail ;  and  the  Lord  was  with  us.  My  heart 
was  powerfully  drawn  out,  in  preaching  on  the 
iaft  verfes  of  the  fortv-eighth  Pfalm. 

Wednefdavl 


C    3*9     1 

Wednefday  i).     I  Jet  my  face   unto    the  Lord 

GOD,  to  feek  by  prayer  and  Jupplicat'ions,  iviih  fajl- 

And  although  brother  S.  had  man  if e  (ted  a 

dciire  to  leave  the  continent,  he    nov/   agreed  to 

abide   in  the  country  with  me  awhile  longer. 

Lord's-day  23.  Though  the  weather  was  dis- 
agreeable, yet  many  people  attended  at  E.  W?$\ 
and  there  appeared  to  be  a  promifing  profpect, 
amongft  the  young  people  efpecially.  I  have 
great  hopes  that  the  Lord  will  ftiew  mercy,  and 
make   his   power  known    in    the  family    ot    the 

jr.'s. 

Monday  24.  Satan  has  made  feveral  violent 
pufhes  at  my  foul,  but  he  has  not  been  able  even 
to  break  my  peace.  The  word  was  powerfully 
applied  to  the  hearts  of  the  people  at  Mr.  G.'s  to- 
day. 

Wednefday  26.  After  preaching  with  holy 
warmth  atMr.Z — n%  I  met  the  clafs,  in  which 
were  fome  faithful  fouls  ;  but  others  that  could 
hardly  bear  plain  dealing.  But  we  mud  deal 
plainly  and  honeftly,  though  affectionately  and 
tenderly,  with  all  that  come  in  our  way,  and  ef- 
pecially with  fuch  as  put  themfelves  under  our 
paftoral  care.  If  we  feek  to  pleafe  men  unlefs  it 
is  for  their  good  to  edification,  we  are  not  the 
fervants  of  Chrift. 

Thurfday  27.  I  fpoke  clofely  and  pointedly  to 
many  poor,  ignorant  people  at  the  widow  / — p's. 
And  on  Friday  met  a  dull  congregation  at  Mr. 
C.'s. 

Monday  March  2.  Rode  to  I,  K.'s  on  Cedar- 
creek,  an  old  Prefbyterian,  who  keeps  his  coihri 
xeady  made.  But  both  the  congregation  and  the 
clafs  feemed  very  blind  and  ignorant  in  fpiritual 
things. 

Thurfiiay 


f     &o     ) 

Thurfday  5.  Returned  to  T,  W%  with  a  cold 
in  my  head  and  an  inflammation  in  my  throat, 
which  detained  me  till  the  LordVday.  But  my 
time  was  chiefly  fpent  in  prayer  and  reading  Fla- 
veil's  and  Hartleys  works ;  though  no  book  is 
equal  to  the  bible.  I  have  a-lfo  received  much  in- 
flrudiion  and  great  bleffings  of  late,  in  reading 
Mr.  Wejleys  work3.  There  is  a  certain  fpiritu- 
ality  in  his  works,  which  I  can  find  in  no  other 
human  compofrtions.  And  a  man  who  has  any 
tafte  for  true  piety,  can  fcarce  read  a  few  pages  in 
the  writings  of  that  great  divine,  without  imbi- 
bing  a  greater  relifli  for  the  pure  and  fi mple  re- 
ligion of  Jefus  Chrift,  which  is  therein  fo  fcrip- 
turally.  and  rationally  explained  and  defended. 

Monday  9.  5.  S.  came  in  from  the  upper  cir- 
cuit ;  but  on  Tuefday,  both  he  and  G.  S.  left 
me.  However,  I  was  eafy,  for  the  Lord  was  with 
me.  And  if  he  will  be  with  me,  and  bring  me  to 
my  Father's  houfe  in  pea.ee>  he  {hall  be  my  GOD 
for  ever.  Yea,  let  him  do  with  me  as  feemeth 
good  in  his  fight,  only  let  him  not  take  his  Holy 
Spirit  from  me,  and  he  (hall  be  mine,  and  I  will 
be  his,  in  time  and  through  eternity. 

Friday  13.  I  was  under  fome  heavinefs  of 
mind.  But  it  was  no  wonder — three  thoufand 
miles  from  home — my  friends  have  left  me — I 
am  confidered  by  fome  as  an  enemy  of  the  coun- 
try— every  day  liable  to  be  feized  by  violence,  and 
abufed.  However,  all  this  is  but  a  trifle  to  fufter 
for  Chrilt,  and  the  falvation  of  fouls.  Lord,  it  and 
by  me  \ 

Lord's- day  15,  My  temptations  were  very 
heavy,  and  my  ideas  were  greatly  contracted  in 
preaching,  neither  was  my  foul  happy  as  at  many 
other  times.     It  requires  great  resignation,  for  a 

inaJi' 


(      321       ) 

man  to  be  willing  to  be  laid  afide  as  a  broken  in- 
ftrument.     But 

"  In  all  mv  temptations 

"  He  keeps  me  to  prove 
"  His  utmoft  falvation, 

"  His  fulnefs  of  love." 

Monday  16.  I  applied  myfelf  to  the  Greek  and 
Latin  Teitament  ;  but  this  is  not  to  me  like 
preaching  the  gofpel.  However,  when  a  man 
cannot  do  what  he  would,  he  mud  do  what  he 
can. 

Wednefday  1 8.  To  make  the  bell  of  my  time  in 
this  partial  confinement,  I  have  attended  clofely  to 
my  itudies,fpent  fome  time  in  inilrucling  the  chil- 
dren, and  intend  to  lecture  frequently  in  the  fami- 
ly. This  day  I  received  information  that  brother 
IF.  was  call  into  prifon  at  Annapolis. 

Saturday  21.  My  fpiritual  excrciles  have  been 
various.  I  have  frequently  been  under  powerful 
temptations  ;  but  at  other  times  my  foul  has  been 
fercne  and  comfortable.  Much  of  my  time  is 
fpent  in  lludy.  And  my  defire  is,  to  glorify 
GOD  in  all  1  'do  \  and  foe'nd  all  I  gain  in  his  fer- 
vice. 

Lord's-day  22.  A  large  eongregaLion  attended 
at  E.  I7.\y  while  I  enforced  the  important  enqui- 
ry, What  flail  it  profit  a  man  if  he  gain  the 
whole  world,  and  lofi  his  own  foul?  A  warm,  af- 
fectionate zeal  glowed  in  my  heart,  and  fome  of 
the  people  were  afreeled.  On  -Monday  I  met 
with  brother  C — xt  and  fent  him  into  the  upper 
circuit ;  intending  myfelf  to  abide  here  for  a  fea- 
fon,  till  the  ftorm  is  abated. 

Wednefday  25.     Blefled  be  GOD  !  his  provi- 
:  hath  caft  my  lot  in  a  quiet,   agreeable  fa- 
mily > 


(      322       ) 

roily  ;  where  I  can  make  the  beft  improvement 
of  my  time,  in  fludy  and  devotion.  Brother 
C — r  came  from  below,  and  we  had  a  meeting  at 
E.  Tf.'s,  where  fome  were  deeply  cut  to  the  heart 
by  the  two-edged  fword  of  the  word. 

Friday  27.  The  grace  of  GOD  is  a  fufficient 
fupport,  while  I  bear  the  reproach  of  men  ;  and 
am  rewarded  with  evil,  for  all  the  good  which  I 
have  done,  and  de fired  to  do  for  mankind.  I 
want  for  no  temporal  convenience,  and  endeav- 
our to  improve  my  time  by  devotion  and  ftudy  ; 
but  all  this  cannot  give  full  fatisfadlion,  while  it 
is  not  in  my  power  to  labour  more  for  GOD,  in 
feeking  the  falvation  of  fouls.  But  I  am  ftrong- 
iy  perfuaded  that  divine  Providence  will  bring  a- 
bout  a  change  before  long. 

Thurfday  April  2.  This  night  we  had  a  fcene 
©f  trouble  in  the  family.  My  friend  Mr.  T.  W, 
was  taken  away,  and  his  wife  and  family  left  ia 
great  diftrefs  of  mind.  The  next  day  I  fought 
the  interpofition  of  GOD,  by  falling  and  pray* 
er. 

Saturday  4.  This  was  a  day  of  much  divine 
power  and  love  to  my  foul.  I  was  left  alone,  and 
fpent  part  of  every  hour  in  prayer  ;  and  Chrift 
was  near  and  very  precious.  The  next  day  I 
preached  with  great  folemnity  at  E.  JF.'s  on  2 
Cor.  vi.  20  ;  and  on  Monday  found  freedom  ?o 
move.  After  riding  about  fifteen  miles,  I  acci- 
dentally flopped  at  a  houfe  where  a  corple  was 
going  to  be  buried,  and  had  an  opportunity  of  ad- 
dreffing  a  number  of  immortal  fouls.  I  then  rode 
on  through  a  lonefome,  devious  road,  like  Abra- 
ham, not  knowing  whither  I  went  :  but  weary 
and  unwell,  I  found  a  fhelter  late  at  night.  And 
there  I  intended  to  reft,  till  Providence  fhould  di- 
rect my  way.  This  was  fomething  like  the  faithful 

faints 


(     3*3     ) 

faints  of  old  times,  mentioned  Heb.  ir.  They 
wandered  about  in  Jfjeep-Jkins,  and  goat-Jhitis,  being 
dejiitute,  ajpicled,  tormented  :  of  whom  the  world 
was  not  worthy ,  they  wandered  in  dejerts,  and  in 
mountains,  and  in  dens  and  caves  of  the  earth. 
Though  it  mud  be  acknowledged,  their  trials  far 
exceeded. 

Tuefday  7.  My  foul  was  kept  in  peace ;  and 
I  fpent  much  of  my  time  in  reading  the  bible  and 
the  Greek  teflament.  Surely  GOD  will  (land 
by  and  deliver  me  !  I  have  none  otter  on  whom 
I  can  depend.  And  he  knows  with  what  inten- 
tion and  for  what  purpofes,  I  came  into  this  dif- 
tant  and  (Irange  land  :  and  what  little  I  have  fuf- 
fered  for  his  caufe.  At  night  a  report  was  fpread 
which  inclined  me  to  think,  it  would  be  moft  pru- 
dent for  me  to  move  the  next  day.  Accordingly 
I  fet  out  after  dinner,  and  lay  in  a  fwamp  till  a- 
bout  fun-fet  :  but  was  then  kindly  taken  in  by  a 
friend.  My  foul  has  been  greatly  humbled  and 
bleffed  under  thefe  difficulties :  and  I  thought  my- 
felf  like  fome  of  the  old  prophets,  who  were  con- 
cealedin  times  of  public  diftrefs. 

Thurfday  9.  I  promifed  GOD,  that  if  he 
•would  lift  me  up,  I  would  be  wholly  his,  and 
fpend  as  much  time  in  returning  thanks,  as  I  have 
fpent  in  feeking  his  protection  :  which  has  been 
fome  part  of  every  hour.  My  foul  has  been  much 
comforted  in  reading  J.  A  Heine's  letters  which  he 
wrote  in  prifon.  I  felt  ftrong  confidence  in 
GOD,  that  he  would  deliver  me ;  being  confei- 
ousthat  I  fought  neither  riches  nor  honour;  and 
that  what  I  fuffered  was  for  the  fake  of  his  fpiri- 
tual  church,  and  the  falvation  of  my  fellow-men. 
I  was  informed  that  brother  J.  H.  was  appre- 
hended lad  Lord's-day  in  §hteen-Ann.  May  the 
X.ord  ftrengthen  and  fupport  him^  while  he  fuf- 

fers 


(     3*4     ) 

fers  for  righteoufnefs'  fake.  He  fhall  be  faithful- 
ly remembered  by  me  in  my  addreffes  to  the 
throne  of  grace.  This  evening  I  was  called  upon 
to  vifit  a  perfon  in  diftrefs  of  mind;  and  the 
Lord  gave  him  reft  for  his  foul.  Perhaps,  Pro- 
vidence cad  my  lot  in  this  place,  for  the  afliftance 
of  this  man. 

Friday  10.  My  heart  was  kept  pure,  and  pant- 
ing after  GOD,  though  I  was,  in  fome  fenfe,  a 
prifoner,  and  under  the  neceffity  of  being  con- 
cealed, rather  than  facrifice  the  peace  of  my  con- 
ference, and  offend  my  GOD.  O  my  Lord,  guide 
thy  poor  pilgrim  through  the  rugged  ways  of  this 
ungodly  and  dangerous  world  !  And  if  I  fuffer 
with  Chrift  here,  may  I  finally  reign  with  him  in 
glory  ! 

16  Who  fuffer  with  our  Mafter  here, 
"  We  fhall  before  his  face  appear, 

"  And  by  his  fide  fit  down  : 
"  To  patient  faith  the  prize  is  fure  ; 
"  And  all  that  to  the  end  endure 

"  The  crofs,  fhall  wear  the  crown." 

My  praclice  is  to  keep  clofe  to  GOD  in  prayer, 
and  fpend  a  part  of  every  hour,  when  awake,  in 
that  exercife.  I  have  lately  begun  to  read  Mr. 
Wejleys  Notes  again  ;  and  have  always  found  both 
them  and  his  Sermons  to  be  made  an  efpecial 
bleHing  to  my  foul.  My  exercifes  are  very  deep 
and  various.  The  Lord  makes  great  difcoveries 
of  my  defects  and  fhort-comings  in  many  points. 
He  melts  my  heart  into  humility  and  tendernefs; 
hegracioufly  draws  me  nearer  and  nearer  to  him- 
self ;  and  fills  me  with  the  fpirit  of  holy  love. 
Saturday  1 1.  GOD  was  my  portion,  and  my 
.foul  refted  in  him.     But  I  was  at  a  lofs  to  know 

what 


(     3*S     ) 

what  to  do  :  my  time  was  ufelefs  in  refpe&  to 
others;  though  I  carefully  improved  it  for  my 
own  fpiritual  advantage,  which,  for  fome  years 
paft,  had  been  in  a  degree  neglected,  on  account 
of  my  great  attention  to  the  fouls  of  others.  And 
I  know  not  what  to  determine,  whether  to  deliv- 
er myfelf  into  the  hands  of  men,  to  embrace  the 
;iirft  opportunity  to  depart,  or  to  wait  till  Provi- 
dence ihall  farther  direct.  The  reafon  of  this  re- 
tirement was  as  follows.  From  March  ic,  i  778, 
.on  confcientious  principles  I  was  a  non-juror,  and 
•could  not  preach  in  the  State  of  Maryland;  and 
therefore  withdrew  to  the  Delaware  State,  where 
the  clergy  were  not  required  to  take  the  State- 
oath  :  though,  with  a  clear  confcience,  I  could 
have  taken  the  oath  of  the  Delaware  State,  had  it 
•been  required  ;  and  would  have  done  it,  had  I  not 
•been  prevented  by  a  tender  fear  of  hurting  the 
Scrupulous  confeiences  of  others.  Saint  Paul 
faith,  When  yc fin  fo  again/}  the  brethren ,  and  wound 
itheir  uueak  confcience}  ye  fin  againft  Chrift,  I  Cor. 
viii.  1  2. 

LordVday  12.  This  was  one  of  my  dumb 
-and  filent  fabbaths  ;  and  was  fpent  in  falling  and 
prayer,  that  the  Lord  may  turn  again  my  capti- 
vity. My  foul  was  greatly  humbled,  and  n  )t  a 
little  comforted  in  waiting  before  GOD.  I  la- 
ment that  part  of  the  Lord's  flock  is  carried  av  ay 
,-captive  .;  but  hope  that  thofe  who  remain  in  Zdon9 
will  be  hoiinefs  to  the  Lord,  and  found  among  the 
living  in  Jerujale:n. 

Monday  13.  I  formerly*  thought  it  would  be 
death  to  me,  to  keep  iilence  from  declaring  the 
word  of  GOD  :  but  now  I  am  in  a  meafure  con- 
tented, and  hope  to  fee  a  day  of  liberty  once  a- 
gain.  It  appears  to  be  the  will  of  GOD  that  I 
fhoultf  be  filent  for  a  feafon,  to  prepare  me  for 
E  e  farther 


(     3*«    ) 

farther  ufefulncfs  hereafter.     Therefore  my  time 
(hail  be  employed  to  the  beft  advantage. 

Tuefday  14.  I  am  not  yet  forfaken  of  all,  but 
am  happy  in  the  family  where  I  (lay,  and  my  foul 
is  fixed  on  GOD.  1  have  a  private  chamber  for 
my  afylum,  where  I  comfort  myfelf  in  GOD,  and 
fpend  my  time  in  prayer,  meditation,  and  leading. 
The  next  day  brother  J.  F.  held  a  public  meet- 
ing :  he  appeared  to  be  a  well-meaning,  gord 
man  :  and  who  hath  defpifed  the  day  of  J  mall 
things, 

Thurfday  16.  My  foul  was  blefTed  with  peace; 
but  I  earnetlly  defire  to  be  more  fpiritual  in  all 
my  thoughts,  words,  and  actions. 

Friday  1  7.  Being  Good-Friday  I  devoted  my- 
felf to  failing  and  prayer.  How  many  fuch  days 
have  I  fpent,  in  addreiTmg  large  congregations  on 
the  mournful  fubjeft  of  our  blefTed  Lord's  cruci- 
fixion ;  but  am  now  deprived  of  the  privilege  of 
making  a  public  improvement  of  the  day.  I  mufl 
lit  down  and  weep,  when  I  remember  Zion,  and 
the  years  of  GOD's  right  hand.  Oh  !  how  I  long 
to  fee  his  goings  in  the  fancluary,  as  in  times 
part  !  Return,  O  Lord,  to  the  many  thoufands 
of  Ifrael,  and  caufe  us  to  rejoice,  according  to 
the  days  in  which  we  have  feen  trouble  !  I  now 
uiioy  a  favourable  opportunity  of  taking  a  circum- 
flantial  review  of  my  pail  life.  But  alas  !  How 
am  I  afiiamed,  and  covered  with  blufhing  before 
GOD  !  My  foul  is  bowed  in  awful  reverence 
and  melting  humility  before  the  mercy-feat  !  My 
intention  has  been  pure,  as  far  as  I  can  judge  ; 
but  on  account  of  my  imperfections,  if  there  were 
no  Mediator,  there  could  be  no  hope  of  mercy. 
But  blefTed  be  GOD  !  I  can  come  with  humble 
boldnefs  to  the  throne  of  grace,  knowing  that  we 
have  an  High-Prieft  that  can  be  touched  with  the 

feeling 


i     3-7     ) 

•  \fceling  of  our  infirmities  ;   who    ^'j;    in 

tempted  like  as  iue  are>  yet  without  Jin.      I  hope  to 

♦  learn  obedience  by  the  things  I  fuffer  ;  and  walk 
[more  watchfully  and  pioufly  before  GOD  tor  the 
.  rime   to  come. 

Saturday  i8.     I  labour  to  make  the  beft  ui 
my  precious    rime  ;  and    hope   to   be  better 
pared  for  future  fervice  on   earth,    or  for  eternal 

j  fervice    in   heaven.     I    bear    our  dear,  fuflfering 

I  friends  on  my  heart. 

Lord's-day  19.  Another  folitary  fabbath.  Eze- 
kiefs  portion    is  mine — to  be  dumb  for 
But  the    Lord  gives  me   patience,    and   foji 
me  under  it.       The  family  amongft  whom  my  lot 
is  call,  ufe  me  with  great  kindneik  j  and  ma] 
Iprd  (hew  kindnefs  to  them,  according  to  ail  that 
they  have  done  unto  me  ! 

Monday  20,  Reading  the  Revelation  with 
Mr.  JVeJleys  notes,  was  made  a  particular  bk 
to  my  foul  ;  but  my  confeience  checked  me  fe- 
tferely  for  not  reading  more  frequently  that 
of  the  faered  canon  ;  feeing  fuch  a  blelling  is  pro- 
nounced on  them  that  read  and  understand  it. 
liit  I  intend  for  the  future,  if  time  and  health 
Will  permit,  to  read  one  chapter  in  it  every  day. 
Tuesday  2t.  I  purpofed  in  my  own  mind,  to 
fpend  ten  minutes  out  of  every  hour,  when  awake, 
in  the  duty  of  prayer.  May  the  Lord  help  me 
to  pay  all  the  vows  which  my  heart  hath  ut- 
tered, and  my  mouth  hath  fpoken  in  the  time  of 
trouble  ! 

Wednefday  22.  I  finilhed  Mr.  Wejlefs  notes 
on  the  new  Teftament,  and  began  to  read  Dodd- 
ridge's rife  and  progrefs  ;  but  am  not  fo  decorated 
with  holy  love  as  the  temple  of  GOD  mould  be, 
I  am  reconciled  to  my  condition,  and  id  fair 

\  p.ayer  commit  all  events  to  my  divine  Protector, 

This 


(     328     ) 

This  is  an  excellent  feafon  for  dreffing  my  Own 
vineyard. 

Thurfday  23.  GOD  was  near,  and  my  heart 
was  exceedingly  humbled  before  him.  I  finifhed 
Doddridge,  anci  was  pleafed,  inftrueled,  and  af- 
fected thereby.  I  think  an  abridgement  of  this 
book  would  be  of  great  fervice  to  our  focieties. 

Friday  ^gan  reading  honefl:  John  Bun- 

yohfs  Holy  War  :  and  my  foul  was  kept  in  peace,, 
but  earnestly  dtfirous  of  every  branch  and  degree 
of  perfect  love.  Holinefs  is  far  preferable  to  the 
greatell  wifdoffl  ! 

Lord's-day  26.  I  was  dill  confined  and  obliged 
to  keep  fileuce  ;  but  fpent  much  of  the  day  in 
reading  the  Revelation  with  Mr.  WeJIey's  notes 
upon  it.  As  this  Revelation  was  given  on  the 
Lord's-day,  what  can  be  a  more  proper  fubjecl 
for  meditation  on  that  day  ?  Devoting  much  of 
my  time  to  the  exercife  of  prayer,  I  pray  frequent- 
ly for  my  dear  parents  and  friends,  as  well  as  for 
myfelfv 

Wednefday  29.  Ventured  to  leave  my  afylum  ! 
and  under  the  fpecial  providence  of  GOD,  came 
fafe  to  my  old  abode  ;  where  I  purpofe  fpending 
thefe  perilous  days  in  retirement,  devotion,  and 
ftudy.  I  want  for  nothing  but  more  holinefs,  ?.nd 
wonder  at  the  love  and  care  of  almighty  GOD» 
towards  fuch  a  dead  dog  as  1  am.  My  fpirit  was- 
greatly  comforted  by  Fialm  cvi.  10.  He favedthem 
from  the  hand  of  him  that  hated  them  :  and  redeemed 
than  from  the  hand  of  the  enemy. 

Friday  May  1.  The  minds  of  the  people  are 
fo  confufed,  and  filled  with  the  fpirit  and  troubles 
of  the  times,  that  it  does  not  appear  to  me  as  if 
GOD  required  me  to  treat  with  them  on  fpintua! 
and  eternal  fubjec-ts,  till  they  can  with  fome  con- 
fiderate  calmncfs  pay  attention  to  thofe  momen- 
tous 


(     3*9    ) 

to'us  matters.   I  have  lately  been  grieV< 
ed  by  the  temptations  of  Satan  ;   but  civ  d 
to  die  rather  than  live  to  Gn  againft  GO!).   L 
ft  and  by  me  in  the  day  of  trial,  and  every  moment 
fupport  my    feeble   foul  !    On  Saturday   alfo    my 
mind  was  much  harafTed   by  my  fpiritual  atlver- 
fary  :  and  my  (ludy  and  devotion  were  interrupt- 
ed, fo  that  I  could  l\o  but   little  either  for  G 
or  myfelf. 

Lord's-day  3.  My  mind  was  ft  ran  gel  y  twirled 
and  tortured,  not  knowing  what  to  do.  It  flema 
I  know  not  how  to  flghr,  nor  how  to  fly  j  but  I 
am  perfuaded  there  will  be  a  fpeedy  chang 
the  vvheel  of  Providence,  either  profperous  cr  ad- 
verfe.  Others  are  now  free,  but  I  am  bound. 
Reading  at  prefent  no  other  books  on  the  Lord's- 
days,  I  have  lately  read  the  Revelation  with  Mr. 
JVefley's  notes  three  times  through. 

Monday  4.  JSatan  hath  a  de&re  to  deftroy,  or 
at  lead  to  diiturb  my  foul.  But  I  pray  mightily 
to  GOD  againit  him.  Oil  that  he  may  rebuke 
the  tempter,   and  make  a  way  for  my  efcape  ! 

On  Wednefday  my  temptations  were  (o  violent, 
that  it  feemed  as  if  all  the  infernal  powers  were 
combined  to  attack  my  foul.  Like  Elijah  when 
perfecuted  by  Jezebel,  I  was  ready  to  rcqueft  for 
myfelf  that  I  might  die.  However,  about  noon 
the  ltorm  abated,  and  my  foul  was  calm.  I  had 
felt  as  though  I  could  neither  pray  nor  read  -,  but 
the  Lord  Welled  my  troubled  foul  while  endea- 
vouring to  pray  with  brother  E.  IV.  My  temp- 
tations have  been  fuch  as  I  never  experienced  be- 
fore in  the  courfe  of  my  life.  But  GOD  will  help 
me,  and  I  (hall  yet  praife  him  !  Both  Friday  and 
Saturday  my  fpiritual  enemies  were  upon  me, 
but  my  foul  had  more  ftrength  from  the  Lord. 
My  practice  is  to  fpend  fome  part  of  every  hour 
E  e  2 


(33°     ) 

in  prayer.  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  art  mind- 
ful of  him  ?  and  the  f on  of  man,  that  thou  wfttcfi 
him  ?  On  Saturday  brother  W.  came  home,  as  in 
anfwer  to  prayer.  On  the  Lord's-day  I  read  the 
Revelation  three  times  over,  and  experienced  great 
fweetnefs  in  my  foul,  both  in  reading  and  family- 
exercifes. 

Monday  11.  Mymind  was  deeply  exercifed, 
riot  knowing  what  to  do.  If  the  Lord  delivers 
me,  I  (hall  be  bound  to  praife  him  ;  if  I  had  a 
thoufand  hearts  and  tongues,  and  a  million  of 
years  to  live,  all  would  be  infufficient  for  paying 
the  mighty  debt  of  praife.  Time,  and  language, 
and  numbers,  ail  fail  in  point  of  praife  and  ado- 
ration for  the  unmerited  mercies  of  a  gracious 
GOD. 

"  Praife  ye  the  Lord,  ye  immortal  choirs, 
M  That  fill  the  realms  above  ; 

"  Praife  him  who  form'd  you  of  his  fires* 
4<  And  feeds  you  with  his  love." 

Tuefday  12.  My  excrcifes  were  dill  grievous, 
but  I  am  perfuaded  that  all  thefe  trials  will  con- 
tribute to  the  fpiritual  advantage  of  my  foul. 
Temptations  and  prayer,  as  one  obferves,  qualify 
a  gofpel-minifter  for  his  work.  But  I  am  ready 
to  afk,  as  one  of  old,  Lord,  are  there  few  that  be 
faved  ?  May  GOB  vouchfafe  to  help  and  deliver 
his  few  articled  people  \ 

Wednefday  13.  I  met  a  fmall  congregation* 
and  my  foul  was  blefled  in  fpeaking  to  the  peo- 
ple, as  it  ufually  is  on  fuch  occasions.  O  my 
GOD  !  when  wilt  thou  turn  again  my  captivity  ? 
Surely  JacobGciOl  rejoice,  and  Ifrael  (hall  be  glad. 

Thuriday  14.  I  dill  attend  to  prayer,  fludy, 
and  teaching  the  children  ;  but  cannot  be   fully 

fatisfied 


(     33*     ) 

fatisfied  without  preaching  the  gofpel,  which  ap~ 
pears  to  be  my  peculiar  province.  Though  I 
find  more  relifh  for  the  word  of  GOD,  and  great- 
er fweetnefs  in  reading  it,  than  ever  before. 

Friday  15.  My  foui  W3S  for  the  mod  part  in 
peace  ;  though  at  times  my  own  trials  and  the 
trials  of  others  produced  ftrong  agonies  of  mind. 
But  ftrengthened  with  divine  might,  I  am  able  to 
oppofe  the  tempter  in  his  moft  violent  affaults, 
and  am  brought  off  more  than  conqueror.  The 
(tudy  of  the  holy  fcriptures  affords  me  great  plea- 
fure.  Lord,  help  me  to  dig  into  the  gofpel-field 
as  for  hidden  treafure  • 

Saturday  16.  It  may  be  obferved  that  two 
of  our  preachers  have  been  apprehended,  rather 
than  do  violence  to  confcience  \  and  the  men  by 
whom  they  were  both  taken,  were  dangeroufly 
wounded  within  a  few  weeks  after  they  had  laid 
Lands  upon  them.  I  am  now  refigned  to  my 
confinement,  and  am  perfuaded  that  GOD,  by 
his  providence,  will  (hew  me  when  and  which 
way  to  go. 

Lord's-day  17.  As  a  congregation  was  col- 
lected to  near  the  word,  I  ventured  to  preach, 
and  found  my  foul  much  drawn  out  both  in 
fpeaking  to  GOD  and  the  people.  Perhaps  this 
was  a  token  of  future  enlargement  and  ufeful- 
jiefs. 
•  Monday  18.  My  fpirit  was  oppreiTed  by  hea- 
vy temptations.  The  preachers  and  people  be- 
gan to  convene  for  the  quarterly  meeting  which 
was  to  begin  the  next  day. 

Tuefday  19.  Brother  C — .v  began  our  quar- 
terly meeting,  and  then  I  preached,  with  tender 
fenfibility  and  warm  affection,  a  humiiiation-fer- 
mon  on  Joel  ii.  16,  17,  18.  Gather  the  people, 
fantVfy  the  congregation,  cjjernble  the  elders,  gather 

the 


(     31*     ) 

the  children,  and  thofe  that  fuch  the  hreajh  :  let  the 
bridegroom  go  forth  of  his  chamber,  and  the  bride 
out  of  her  clofet.  Let  the  priejls,  the  minifters  of  the 
Lord,  weep  between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  and  let 
them  fay,  fpare  thy  people,  O  Lord,  and  give  not 
thine  heritage  to  reproach  ;  that  the  heathen  fhould 
rule  over  them  :  wherefore  Jhould  they  fay  among 
the  people,  where  is  their  GOD  ?  Then  will  the 
Lord  be  jealous  for  his  land,  and  pity  his  people. 
The  hearts  of  the  people  were  greatly  melted 
under  the  word  :  and  the  power  of  the  Lord  was 
with  us  in  the  afternoon  alio.  We  were  quiet 
and  undilturbed  ;  and  I  hope  the  word  will  take 
root  in  the  hearts  of  fome  who  wereprefent.  On 
Wednefday  there  was  fo  much  company  about 
me,  that  I  could  not  keep  in  my  ufuai  and  de- 
firable  track  of  walking  with  GOD. 

Thurfday  21.  My  mind  was  fomewhat  diffi- 
pated.  A  young  woman,  who  had  been  awaken- 
ed by  the  inflrumentality  of  Captain  W.  but  de- 
prived of  the  means  of  grace  for  about  four 
years,  and  had  thoughc  (he  could  never  be  happy 
unlefs  amongfl  the  Mcthodijls,  was  now  brought 
to  GOD  by  faith  in  Jefus  Chrift,  and  found 
peace  in  her  foul.  Another  perfon  was  alfo 
brought  into  deep  diftrefs  for  an  intereft  in 
Chriit,  about  the  fame  time.  Our  family  meet- 
ings are  now  attended  with  great  power. 

Friday  22.  Satan  worried  my  mind  with  his 
temptations  ;  but  at  night  we  joined  the  two  fa- 
milies together  for  worfhip,  and  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  was  with  us  in  power. 

Saturday  23.  I  fet  this  day  apart  for  failing 
and  prayer,  efpecially  in  behalf  of  brother  T.  IV. 
My  foul  was  comforted  to  hear  that  Mrs.  P.  near 
feventy  years  of  age,  knew  by  experience  that  me 
could  be  born  again  though  &e  was  old.     This 

week 


(     333     ) 

Week  the  Lord  has  given  me  two,  as  the  children 
of  my  bonds. 

Monday  2^.  T.  IV.  went  back  to  have  his 
Cafe  determined.  He  left  Ins  family  in  much  dif- 
trefs  of  mind.  I  endeavoured  to  minifcer  feme 
comfort  to-  them  ;  but  in  refpect  to  myfolf,  every 
thing  appeared  to  be  under  a  cloud  ,  fo  that  I 
Inew  not  as  yet,  what  the  Lord  would  be  pleafed 
to  do  with  me.  I  now  began  to  read  Barclay'* 
apology,  and  to  make  fome  ftrictures. 

Friday  29.  I  fpent  much  of  the  forenoon  in 
prayer,  and  read  through  the  book  of  Job  :  but 
was  forely  tempted  by  the  devil.  My  fpiritual 
trials  have  been  heavier  and  more  grievous  of 
late,  than  I  have  ever  experienced  before  in  all 
the  courfe  of  my  pilgrimage.  They  feem  to  in- 
dicate to  me,  that  I  (hail  lofe  my  foul,  or  lofe  my 
life,  or  live  for  fome  peculiar  ufefulnefs  in  the 
church  of  ChrlfL  On  Saturday  Mr.  H — y  came 
to  fee  me  ;  and  I  ventured  to  fet  out  for  Mr.  TF.'s: 
but  having  been  fo  long  unaccuilomed  to  riding,, 
my  body  was  exceedingly  farigued,  However, 
my  foul  was  much  refreshed  in  meeting  the 
people  there. 

Lords'-day  31.  My  body  wan  indifpofed;  but 
many  people  came  together  to  hear  the  word  of 
GOD;  and  as  there  had  been  fome  little  disor- 
ders among  them,  I  difcourfed  on  2  Tim,  ii,  19. 
Nevertbelefsy  the  foundation  of  GOD  flandeth  fure> 
having  this  fiat,  the  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are 
his.  Af)dy  kt  every  one  that  nometh  the  name  of 
ChriJ}  depart  from  iniquity.  We  had  a  profita- 
ble time  ;  and  in  the  afternoon  I  went  to  hear 
Mr.  C.  who  appeared  to  be  a  well-meaning, 
plough  a  weak  man* 

Monday  June  1.  I  rode  about  twenty  miies 
and  came  home  very  unwell*  and  continued  for 

ieverai 


(     334     ) 

fevera!  days  affli&ed  with  a  fever  and  boils;  but 
my  foul  was  peaceably  (laid  on  the  Lord,  in  the 
midft  of  various  and  heavy  trials  both  of  body 
and  mind. 

Lord's-day  7.  Being  Whitfunday  I  went  to 
the  barn,  weak  as  I  was,  and  preached  on  Rom. 
viii.  7,  8,  9.  My  heart  was  enlarged,  and  the 
people  were  greatly  melted  and  alarmed  •,  and 
many  of  them  felt  the  gracious  drawings  of  the 
Father.  But  alas  !  I  am  as  gold  in  the  furnace  ! 
though  I  muft  not  think  it  ftrange  concerning  the 
fiery  trial,  which  is  to  try  me,  as  though  fome 
(Irange  thing  had  happened  unto  me.  In  my  pa- 
tience, may  I  pofTefs  my  foul :  and  the  Lord  in 
his  own  time,  wiil  deliver  me.  Surely,  when 
this  mortal  mall  put  on  immortality,  then  fhall 
there  be  an  eternal  day  without  a  cloud,  eafe 
without  pain,  and  joy  without  any  mixture  of 
forrow  !  I  preached  again  in  the  afternoon,  and- 
found  great  liberty  in  my  fpirit.  Peradventure,. 
the  Lord  will,  in  this  barren  place,  raife  up  a 
feed  to  ferve  him* 

Wednefday  ic.  I  had  both  great  peace  and 
heavy  trials  5  but  have  caufe  to  complain  of  the 
want  of  more  ferioufnefs  and  devotion  to  COD. 
I  find  the  more  pious  part  of  the  people  called 
Quakers,  are  exerting  themfelves  for  the  libera- 
tion of  the  flaves.  This  is  a  very  laudable  de- 
Ggn  *,  and  what  the  Methodijls  mull  come  to,  or 
1  fear,  the  Lord  will  depart  from  them.  But 
there  is  caufe  to  preiume,  that  fome  are  more  in- 
tent on  promoting  the  freedom  of  their  bodies, 
than  the  freedom  cf  their  fouls  ;  without  which 
they  mud  be  thevaflals  of  Satan  in  eternal  fire. 

Saturday  13.  For  a  few  days  pad  my  mind 
has  been  varioufly  agitated  at  certain  times,  by 
that  reftlefs,  fallen  fpirif,  who  fo  often  attempts 

to 


(     335     ) 

to  break  my  peace  ;  but  my  foul  has  been  kept 
by  the  fame  omnipotent,  gracious  arm  which  has 
been  fo  frequently  difplayed  in  my  behalf.  I  went 
to  R.  W.%  where  all  our  fouls  were  under  the 
foftening  influence  of  divine  grace  in  the  clafs- 
meeting.  With  animation  of  fpirit  I  preached 
twice  on  the  Lord's-day,  to  large  congregations. 
As  the  gofpel  of  Jefus  Chrifl  meets  with  indul- 
gence in  this  free  State,  I  entertain  a  hope  that 
it  will  prove  a  general  blefling  to  the  inhabitants 
thereof  :  and  that  Delaware  will  become  as  the 
garden  of  the  Lord,  filled  with  plants  of  his  own 
planting. 

Monday  15.  The  congregation  was  large  at 
Mr.  AVs,  but  fnewed  too  much  appearance  of 
fpiritual  infenfibility.  I  have  lately  been  furprif- 
ed,  and  felf-reproved,  for  not  feeling  the  fame 
earned  defire  that  the  word  might  profit  the  hea- 
rers, after  it  was  delivered,  as  I  have  felt  before 
the  preaching  began.  My  foul  was  deeply  engag- 
ed with  the  Lord,  at  this  time,  that  the  word 
might  prove  a  permanent  blefling.  On  Tuefday 
I  heard  Mr.  T.  preach  a  funeral  fermon,  which 
was  well  put  together,  but  not  calculated  to  reach 
the  hearts  of  the  people. 

Thurfday  18.  My  trials,  as  ufual,  have  been 
great,  but  the  Lord  has  not  left  me  comfortlefs. 
About  this  time  it  was  currently  reported,  that  a 
treaty  of  peace  was  like  to  take  place.  I  thought 
this  would  have  been  a  fingular  blefling,  efpecially 
as  it  would  have  given  the  gofpel  a  free  courfe 
through  the  land.  But  my  hope  is,  through 
grace,  that  I  (hall  be  found  prepared  for  all 
changes  and  circumftances. 

Lord's-day  21.  I  was  enabled  to  prefs  upon 
the  confciences  of  the  people,  with  great  pungen- 
cy, the  awful  declaration  of  GOD  in  Amos  iv.  11. 

/  have 


(     336    ) 

I  have  overthrow}!  fame  of  you,  as  GOD  overth'renv 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  ye  were  as  a  firebrand 
plucked  out  of  the  burning  :  yet  have  ye  not  retur/:- 
ed  unto  mey  faith  the  Lord.  Some  felt  the  word 
preached  j  and  at  the  clafs-meeting  the  hearts  of 
the  fociety  were  melted. 

Saturday  27.  We  have  had  fome  refreshing 
times  both  in  our  public  and  fociety  meetings 
thro'  the  courfe  of  this  week  ;  and  my  own  foul 
has  fometimes  been  greatly  drawn  out  in  affec- 
tionate devotion  ;  but  at  other  times  forely  tempt- 
ed by  the  enemy.  We  have  had  a  very  alarming 
-drought  in  this  part  of  the  country.  Laft:  Friday 
we  faded,  and  prayed  that  the  Lord  might  water 
*ihe  earth  :  but  though  we  had  a  fine  (hower,  it 
-did  not  feem  to  cover  much  more  than  the  two 
adjacent  farms. 

Lord's-day  28.  In  the  forenoon  I  preached 
under  an  oak,  on,  Him  that  comethunto  me,  I  will 
in  no  wife  cajl  out  ;  but  the  people  feemed  un- 
moved :  though  in  the  afternoon  they  were  a  lit- 
tle roufed  by  that  awful  threatening  Pfalm  ix.  17. 
The  wicked  flj  all  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  na~ 
tions  that  forget  GOD.  Yet  there  feems  to  be  a 
judicial  hardnefs  of  heart  amongft  many  of  the 
peiple.  There  was  a  large  congregation  at  Mr. 
S.'s  on  Monday,  but  they  aifo  were  under  the 
influence  of  a  ipiritual  ftupor.  My  mind  has 
hscn  much  agitated  j  and  at  prefent  my  profpecr, 
of  fuccefs  is  but  gloomy.  Some  times  I  have 
been  afraid  that  I  have  done  wrong  in  retiring 
from  the  work  5  though  as  far  as  I  can  judge,  the 
glory  of  GOD  and  the  profperity  of  his  church, 
were  my  chief  objects. 

Tuefday  30.  Brother  F.  G.  came  to  fee 
me ',  and  on  Friday  the  Lord  fent  us  a  plentiful 
rain  after  the  threatening  drought. 

Saturday 


Saturday  July  3.  I  lamented  my  want  of  more 
fpiritual  life  and  divine  animation  ;  neither  did  F 
find  myfelffo  quietly  and  perfectly  resigned  to  the 
prefent  difpenfations  of  Providence,  as  is  neceiTa- 
ry  to  keep  my  foul  in  undiflurhed  peace,  anc4 
promote  my  advancement  in  all  the  beauty  of 
hoiinefs. 

Lord's-day  4.  The  Lord  favoured  me  with 
great  afliftance  in  preaching  three  times  to-day  *, 
and  at  Mr.  C — y's  in  the  forenoon  we  had  a  very 
folemn  feafon. 

Tuefdny  6.  It  has  been  matter  of  grief  to  me, 
that  I  have  not  been  more  holy  and  heavenly  in 
all  the  powers  of  my  foul.  And  it  will  be  very 
wonderful  if  my  foul  ihould  befaved,  after  fo  ma- 
ny external  trials,  and  fuch  internal  ailaults  from 
the  banded  powers  of  darknefs.  Death  and  de- 
itrucl:ion  feem  to  threaten  me  on  every  fide  : 
but, 

*  Thou  know'ft  the  pains  thy  fervants  feel  \ 
"  Thou  hearft  thy  children's  crv, 

"    And  their  be  ft  wifhes  to  fulfil, 
"  Thy  grace  is  ever  nigh." 

Wednefday  7.  My  exercifes  were  heavy,  but 
I  had  fome  liberty  in  preaching,  and  there  were 
fome  happy  fouls  who  poiTefled  the  fptrit  of  pray- 
er. 

Friday  9.  Satan  fo  befet  me  by  different 
means,  that  it  feemed  as  if  I  could  do  little  elfe 
but  endeavour  to  pray. 

Saturday  10.     I  rode   to   IF.  and  found  that 

Mr.   C.  had    taken   away  about  half  the  fociety, 

and  was  gone  to  fet  up  a  church  for  himfelf.   But 

I  met  thofe  who  were  willing  to  abide  with  us, 

F  f  and 


(     33«     ) 

and  preached  twice  on  the  Lord's-day,  perhaps  to 
fome  purpofe. 

Monday  12.  Preaching  in  Slaughter- neck ,  there 
appeared  to  be  fome  impediment  in  the  family  ; 
1  therefore  removed  the  preaching,  and  found  the 
children  were  openly  wicked.  We  fhall  now 
meet  the  people  at  Mr.  S — y's,  whofe  family  ap- 
pears ferious  ;  and  I  hope  the  work  of  GOD  will 
go  on  in  this  neighbourhood.  The  people  were 
all  attention  at  R — ds's  on  Wednefday,  but  not 
much  afFecled.  On  Thurfday  I  preached  at 
J>—/s,  and  then  returned  to  brother  T.  W.'s. 
.Saturday  17.  I  laid  apian  for  myfelf  to  travel 
and  preach  nine  days  in  two  weeks.  This  was 
one  ftep  towards  my  former  regularity  in  what 
appears  to  me  as  my  duty,  my  element,  and  my 
delight.  On  the  Lord's-day  I  met  a  clafs  in  the 
morning,  and  then  preached  twice-. with  earneft- 
nefs  and  affection,  to  large,  attentive,  and  feri- 
ous congregations.  My  fpirit  was  afterwards  re- 
freshed in  the  company  of  fome  of  my  old  friends. 
Monday  19.  My  company  being  gone,  my 
foul  returned  to  its  ufual  exercifes  ;  and  I  was  led 
to  reflect,  on  the  fluctuating  Hate  of  human  life — 
a  continual  circle  in  which  the  foul  can  find  no 
permanent  centre  to  fix  upon  !  We  {hall  never 
have  perfect  reft  till  we  come  to  the  holy  moun- 
tain of  the  Lord. 

Tuefday  20.  My  foul  keeps  clofe  to  GOD  in 
prayer,  meditation,  and  reading.  My  internal 
exercifes  are  very  great,  and  I  fee  no  other  way 
'to  conquer  and  efcape,  but  by  refilling  my  ma- 
lignant foe.  On  Thurfday  I  went  about  twenty 
miles  to  preach  at  one  T — d's  in  SuJJex  :  there 
were  about  two  hundred  people  who  appeared 
to  be  kind,  and  willing  to  receive  inftruclion  ;  and 
I  was  enabled  to  fix  their  attention,   though  they 

were 


1 


(     339     ) 

v/ere  ignorant  and  wild.  I  then  rode  ten  miles 
on  my  way  back,  to  vifit  I.  B.  who  was  in  deep 
diitrefs  of  foul.  On  Saturday  my  mind  was 
fweetly  (laid  on  GOD,  after  riding  about  50  miles 
fince  Thurfday,  feeking  to  bring  poor  wandering 
ibuls  to  the  fold  of  Chrift.  I  hope  to  travel 
preacli  as  long  as  I  live. 

Lord's- day  25.  My  own  foul  was  much  en- 
larged while  enforcing  Rom.  x.  15,  165  thoi 
the  hearts  of  the  audience  appeared  to  be  pi 
againft  the  power  of  the  word.  Thus  it  is  that 
the  preaching  of  the  gofpel  is  too  often  as  feed 
fown  in  ftony  ground  :  the  hearers  do  not  pre- 
pare their  hearts  by  prayer  and  meditation,  and 
the  Almighty  does  not  deftroy  their  moral  agen- 
cy, to  fave  them  by  irrefiftible  grace  ;  and  there- 
fore the  word  which  was  intended  to  be  a  favour 
of  life  unto  lift,  proves,  by  their  abufe  of  prevent- 
ing grace,  a  favour  of 'death  unto  death. 

Monday  26.  I  am  ftill  in  poileflion  of  the  in- 
eftimable  pearl  \  Chrift  abides  in  me,  the  hope  of 
glory. 

"  In  the  heavenly  Lamb 
M  Thrice  happy  I  am, 
"  And  my  heart  doth  rejoice  at  the  found  of  his 

name." 

The  congregation  to-day  at  K.'s  were  dull  and 
infenfible,  but  in  the  dais-meeting  at  oYs  we  had 
a  melting  time. 

It  was  currently  reported,  about  this  time, 
that  fome  of  the  Britim  troops  were  fo  blocked 
up,  that  there  was  very  little  probability  of  their 
efcape.  And  thus  it  is  with  the  fallen  fpirits  of 
mankind  ;  having  forfeited  the  favour  and  pro- 
tection of  their  offended  Creator,  they  are  envi- 
roned 


(     340     ) 

roned  by  the  invifible,  malignant  angels  who  kept 
not  their  firft  eftate,  dcfirous  to  involve  the  hu- 
man race  in  their  own  condemnation  and  mifery. 
But  GOD,  moved  with  companion  towards  our 
helplefs  race,  has  made  it  pojfible  that  we  may 
ffcape  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus 
Chrift.  But,  O  melancholy  thought  !  Men  are 
more  inclined  to  liften  to  the  voice  of  their  ene- 
mies, than  to  the  voice  of  their  divine  Friend. 
Inftead  of  putting  on  the  whole  armour  of  GOD, 
•md  refifung  the  devil  that  he  may  flee  from  them  ; 
they  arm  themfelves  againft  all  the  warnings  of 
their  gracious  Creator,  and  refill  the  motions  of 
his  Holy  Spirit,  till  they  have  filled  up  the  mea- 
inre  of  their  iniquity,  and  have  their  portion  ap- 
pointed with  devils  and  damned  fpirits.  On 
V/ednefday  my  foul  was  deeply  exercifed  in  feek- 
mg  after  more  of  the  divine  nature.  I  long  to  be 
made  perfeel  in  love,  to  have  all  my  heart  wrap- 
ped up  in  Chrift  Jefus,  to  have  my  converfation 
in  heaven  ;  and  to  be  completely  prepared  for 
every  duty,  and  every  fuffering  that  may  lie  be- 
fore me  !  We  had  a  lecture  in  the  evening  at 
T.  W.'s,  and  the  hearts  of  feme  were  moved  and 
melted  by  the  power  of  GOD.  I  begin  to  think 
it  is  my  duty  to  abide  for  a  feafon  in  this  State  $ 
v\nd  have  great  hopes  that  the  Lord  will  pour  out 
his  Spirit,  and  favour  us  with  a  revival  of  pure 
zad  vital  piety. 

Saturday  Auguft  I.  I  went  into  the  Fork: 
and  on  the  Lord's- day  preached  at  Mr.  7?.'s,  and 
at  Mr.  L.y$.  The  congregations  were  attentive 
and  affected  ;  fo  that  although  they  are  rude  and 
unpo]ifhed>  yet  GOD  is  able,  even  of  thefe  un- 
feemly  (tones,  to  raife  up  children  unto  Abraham* 
Being  informed  that  Mrs.  P.  was  dangeroufly  ill,. 
I  rode  about  twenty  miles  to  fee  her,   arrived  at 

the 


(     341     ) 

*he  houfe  about  nine  o'clock,  and  found  her  con* 
fitientand  happy  in  the  Jove  of  GOD  ;  a  mi- 
of  faving  grace.     But   the  power  and  the  glory 
of  this,  and  of  every  other  good  work,  belong  un- 
to the  Lord. 

Tuefday  4.     We  had  a  large  congregation,  and 
the  prefence  and  power  of  GOD   were    with  us, 
while  I    enforced  on  a  funeral  occafion,  E< 
rvii.  1.     Remember  now  thy   Creator  in  the  & 
thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  noty  nor  the 
draw  nighy  when  thou  (halt  fay^  1  have  no  pi. 
in  them. 

Thurfday  6.     After  proclaiming  the  great 
vation  at  ^.'s,  I  rode  back  to  vifit  Mrs.  P.  again  ; 
and  found  her  fliil   happy  in  GOD,  and  pa! 
under  her  affliction. 

Lord's-day  9.  Having  been  informed  that  fame 
of  the  people  were  in  danger  of  being  led  a  fid 
impremons    and    dreams  j  and    a    weak-headed 
man  having  already  drawn  off  a  fewfimple  1 
I  thought  it   expedient  to  urge  upon  them  If 
v-iii.  20.      To  the  law  and  to  the  teftimony  :   ij 
/peak  net  according  to  this  word,  it  is  i  .  I  re  is 

?io  light  in  them.     While  in  theory,    experi <. 
and  practice,    we  keep  clofe  to  the  written  word 
of  GOD,  we  are  fafe.     And    if   an  angel   from, 
heaven  preach  any  other  gofpei,   faith  ct.  Paulj 
let  him  be  accurfed.     Gal,  i.  8, 

Dreams  may  arife  from  various  caufes  j  and 
even  diabolical  impreffions  may  fometimes  re- 
femble  thole  made  by  the  Spirit  of  GOD.  And 
it  is  evident  that  all  fuch  impreilions  as  have  a 
tendency  to  efPecl  divifions,  to  interrupt  the  peace 
of  the  church,  to  draw  us  off  from  any  re.  \ 
duty,  or  to  make  us  contented  in  a  lukewarm  and 
carelefs  ftate,  cannot  come  from  GOD,  becauio 
they  are  contrarv  to  the  revealed  dictates  of  the 

%  fa 


I    34^    ) 

Holy  Spirit:  and  the  Spirit  of  truth  cannot  con- 
tradict itieif.  Therefore  ail  impreihons,  dreams, 
vifions,  &c.  mould  be  brought  to  the  ftandard  of 
the  holy  fcriptures,  and  if  they  do  not  perfectly 
correfpond  therewith,  they  mould  be  rejected. 

Monday  10.  At  Mr.  oVs  there  was  an  igno- 
rant, hardened  company,  who  had  heard  much 
preaching,  but,  I  fear,  to  bad  purpofe.  May  the 
hammer  of  the  word,  in  the  hand  of  omnipotent 
mercy,  break  thefe  rocks  into  pieces  !  In  the 
evening  I  returned  to  R.  W?s\  and  was  under 
painful  exercifes  of  foul  the  next  day.  Such  views 
of  my  want  of  more  of  the  divine  nature,  and 
iuch  a  clear  difcovery  of  the  wickeclnefs  and  ob- 
ftinacy  of  the  people,  were  opened  to  my  mind, 
that  my  fpirir  was  brought  down  to  the  duft  be- 
fore the  Lord,  and  my  heart  poured  out  itreams 
of  humble,  earned  prayer.  The  words  of  the 
apoftle  are  continually  verified — We  miij}  through 
much  tribulation  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  GOD, 
Ads  xiv.  22.  Such  gracious  difcoveries  as  break 
up  the  great  deep  of  the  human  heart,  are  pain- 
ful, but  profitable.  BlefTed  be  GOD-,  for  illu- 
minating, quickening,  fancxifying,  and  fcrength- 
enxng  ^tt.cc  I 

Thurfday  13.  A  fenfe  of  the  divine  prefer  ce 
penetrated  my  foul,  and  I  was  deeply  humbled 
before  the  Lord  ;  but  was  at  the  fame  time  in 
tfhe  furnace  of  temptations ;  and  by  all  my  pray- 
ed efforts,  could  not  obtain  deliverance  from 
.  No  doubt  but  it  was  then  needful,  that  I 
IhouW  be  in  heavineis  through  fuch  manifold 
temptations.  But  the  Lord  knoweth  how,  and 
#hen,  to  deliver.  On  Friday  my  foul  was  in 
peace,  and  I  feit  willing  to  die,  rather  than 
ever  yield  to  temptation  and  finagainftmy  GOD, 

Lord's-day 


(     343     ) 

Lord's-day  16.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  Z?/s 
in  the  Fork%  I  enforced  Acts  xiii.  40,  41.  at  R. 
JL*8  ;  wliere  many  people  were  aiTected,  and  a- 
bout :  twelve  were  taken  as  probationers  into  the 
foeiety.  On  Monday  at  Mr.  Fi*s  I  fpoke  with 
fpiritual  enlargement  to  a  poor,  ignorant  congre- 
gation; and  there  were  many  perfons  much  af- 
fected on  Tuefday  at  TVs.  It  feemed  as  if  the 
Lord  was  working  on  their  willing  hearts,  to  pre- 
pare them  for  his  church  militant  below,  and  for 
his  church  triumphant  above. 

Though  my  body  is  feeble,  and  the  weather  is 
very  warm,  yet  the  Lord  fupports  me,  and  makes 
my  labours  fuccefsful. 

"  How  do  thy  mercies  clofe  me  round, 
"  For  ever  be  thy  name  ador'd  ! 

■*  I  bluih  in  all  things  to  abound  ; 
*  The  fervant  is  above  his  Lord." 

Thurfday  27.  After  preaching  at  the  widow 
y.'s,  I  returned  to  Mr.  WS ;  and  was  viilted  by 
my  old  friends  W.  L.  and  IV.  M. 

Lord's-day  30.  For  feveral  days  pad  I  was 
extremely  iil,  with  a  vomiting,  &c.  and  was 
frequently  delirious.  It  was  a  very  heavy  feafon 
of  affliction  ;  but  the  Lord  looked  upon  me  in  my 
trouble,  and  this  day  he  granted  me  fome  relief- 
Glory  be  given  to  GOD  !  my  fever  was  greatly 
abated. 

Lord's-day  September  6.  I  am  {till  unable  to 
preach  the  glad  tidings  of  falvation  to  my  fellow 
men.  And  my  mind  has  been  varioufly  exercifed 
through  the  week  pair.  ;  fometimes  grieved  at 
[pending  my  time  to  fo  little  purpofe  \  at  other 
times  deeply  engaged  for  more  inward  religion,, 
god  for  more  of  GOD, 

Lord's-day 


(     344     ) 

Lord's-day  13.  Another  week  has  paiTed  wftH- 
out  public  labour,  except  one  prayer  meeting, 
But  my  foul  has  enjoyed  a  great  degree  of  divine 
peace  and  confolation.  Efpecially  on  laft  Thurs- 
day, my  foul  was  favoured  with  deep  commu- 
nion with  GOD.  How  earneftly  do  I  long  for 
a  more  holy  and  a  cloferwalk  with  God;  to  have 
every  thought  devoted  to  my  bleffed  Jefus.  I 
ventured  to  preach  to-day  on  Heb.  xiii.  13.  when 
mv  fpint  was  at  liberty,  and  the  people  were  af- 
fected. 

Tuefday  15.  This  was  a  day  of  peculiar 
temptations.  My  trials  were  fuch  as  I  do  not  re- 
member to  have  experienced  before  ;  and  for 
fome  time  it  feemed  as  if  I  fcarce  knew  whether 
to  fight  or  fly.  My  ufefulnefs  appeared  to  be 
cut  off;  I  faw  myfelf  pent  up  in  a  corner;  my 
body  in  a  manner  worn  out  5.  my  Englifli  bre- 
thren gone,  fo  that  I  had  no  one  to  confult ;  and 
every  furrounding  object  and  circumftance  wore 
a  gloomy  afpecl:.  Lord,  muft  I  thus  pine  away,. 
2nd  quench  the  light  of  Ifrael  ?  No  :  though  he 
flay  me,    yet  will  I  trull  him. 

"  Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread?. 

"  With  gioomy  horrors  overfpread, 

"  My  fteadfaft  heart  (hall  fear  no  ill, 

"  For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  with  me  ftill ; 

"  Thy  friendly  crook  (hall  give  me  aid, 

«*  And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  made/ 

Wednefday  16.  My  body  felt  better,  and  mf 
mind  had  reft.  I  could  repofe  myfelf  in  Chrift 
Jefus  ;  and  felt  a  lively  hope  that  through  all  my 
difficulties,  the  Lord  will  finally  conduit  me  to 
eternal  reft* 

Thurfda^ 


{     345     ) 

Thurfday  17.  While  riding  on  the  road,  my 
foul  was  deeply  arTe&ed  with  a  powerful,  folemn 
fenfe  of  a  prefent  and  gracious  GOD.  What  ex- 
tatic  fenfations  muft  be  enjoyed  in  heaven,  where 
a  much  deeper  fenfe  of  the  divine  pretence  is 
eternally  enjoyed,  without  interruption  or  ceila- 
tion  !  Well  might  St.  Paul  fay,.  To  die  is  gain, 
Here  our  communion  with  the  Deity  is  but  par- 
tial and  very  imperfect — we  dwell  in  {hells  of  in- 
firmity ;  expofed  to  the  aflaults  of  wicked  fpirits, 
and  furrounded  with  countlefs  numbers  of  amuf- 
ing,  empty  objecls  >  by  which  means  we  are  in 
continual  danger  of  forgetting  GOD,  or  of  being 
too  well  fatisiied  without  the  fruition  of  him. 

I  called  to  fee  Mr.  S.  and  his  wife,  who  was 
fick,  and  I  introduced  a  converfation  on  the  be- 
nefit of  affliction,  as  a  proper  means  to  excite  our 
confi deration,  and  humble  us  for  our  pad  fins. 
But  (he  began  to  fay,  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he 
chafleneth  ;  and  feemed  inclined  to  prefume  that 
fhc  was  in  a  (late  of  acceptance.  This  I  did  not 
believe,  and  therefore  broke  cfr  the  converfation 
abruptly,  and  went  to  prayer.  They  were  both 
extremely  affected;  and  efpech'ly  Mrs-  8,  The 
Lord  had  touched  and  broken  her  heart  ;  fo  that 
her  thoughts  of  herfelf  and  of  the  nature  of  reli- 
gion were  greatly  changed  ;  and  I  left  her  roar- 
ing and   crying   for  mercy. 

Lord's-day  20.  There  was  a  great  melting  in 
the  congregation,  and  a  pleating  profpect  of  a 
gracious  work  of  GOD,  while  I  attempted  to  de- 
scribe the  folemn  grandeur  of  the  judgment  day, 
and  the  woful  end  of  the  unregenerate,  from 
2  TheflT,  i.  7,  8,  9,   10. 

Thurfday  2U).  My  frame  has  been  indifpofed 
all  this  week,  fo  that  I  am  ahnoil  a  (hanger  to 
the  enjoyment  cf  health  for  any  length  of  time, 

I  have 


(     346     ) 

I  have  been  reading  the  life  of  Mr. —  :  but  think 
it  quite  too  pompous.  The  praife  beftowed  on, 
him,  is  too  much  to  beftow  on  mortal  duft. 
What  is  man,  that  fuch  flowers  mould  be  ftrewed 
on  his  grave  \  May  I  ever  be  contented  with  the 
honour  which  cometh  from  GOD  only  !  My  foul 
at  prelent  is  filled  with  his  Holy  Spirit ;  I  have 
a  glorious  profpecl  of  a  boundlefs  ocean  of  love, 
and  immenfe  degrees  of  holinefs,  opening  to  my 
view ;  and  now  renew  my  covenant  with  the 
Lord,  that  I  may  glorify  him  with  my  body  and 
fpirit  which  are  his.  Seven  times  a  day  do  I  bow 
my  knees,  to  utter  my  complaints  before  him, 
and  to  implore  anincreafe  of  his  grace.  But  af- 
ter all,  and  in  the  midil  of  all,  I  can  feelingly  fay, 
J  am  an  unprofitable  fervant.  But  though  unwor- 
thy, utterly  unworthy,  I  am  blefTed  with  the  fweet 
gales  of  God's  love.  BlefTed  breezes  !  how  they 
cheer  and  refrefh  my  drooping  foul  !  What  the 
Lord  has  for  me  to  do,  I  know  not ;  but  wait  to 
know,  and  gladly  to  obey  every  diclate  of  his 
unerring  pleaTure. 

Friday  25.  My  foul  was  ftill  happy  in  my 
GOD,  and  lam  powerfully  perfuaded  that  I /hall 
yet  live  to  be  more  ufefui  than  ever,  in  the  church 
bfChrift. 

Saturday  26.  On  my  way  to  the  Fork,  I  was 
in  fpirituai  travail  for  the  fouls  of  the  people  \ 
and  there  was  fome  melting  at  Mr.  R.'s  ;  but  a 
much  more  powerful  moving  at  L.'s,  while  I 
difcourfed  on  2  Cor.  v.  11.  Knowing  therefore 
the  terror  of  the  Lord,  we  perfuade  men  ;  but  we 
are  made  mdtiifefi  to  GOD,  and  I  trufl  aljo,  we  are 
made  man  iff  in  your  confciences*  I  returned  to 
my  lodging,  bleffing  and  praifing  GOD,  that  he 
had  enabled  me  to  deliver  rny  own  foul  1  and  given 


(     347     ) 

me  fome  caufe  to  hope  that  my  labour  was  not 
in  vain. 

Wednefday  30.  The  malicious  enemy  of  man- 
kind ftill  haunts,  and  powerfully  tempts  me  ;  but 
my  never-failing  Friend  makes  me  victorious. 
My  foul  is  in  conftant  fearch  after  more  of  GOD, 
and  fweetly  finks  deeper  and  deeper  into  the 
abyfs  of  his  fulnefs.  I  am  much  employed  in 
the  fpirit  and  duty  of  prayer  •,  but  earneflly  de- 
fire  to  be  more  fo.  My  defire  is,  that  prayer 
fliould  mix  with  every  thought,  with  every  wifh, 
with  every  word,  and  with  every  action  •,  that 
all  might  afcend  as  a  holy,  acceptable  facrifice  to 
GOD. 

Thurfday  October  1.  My  heart  was  much  de- 
voted to  him,  who  devoted  himfelf  to  death  for 
me.  Peace  and  purity  were  my  agreeable  com- 
panions ;  and  I  faw  the  indifpenfable  need  of  per- 
petual watching,  and  looking  unto  Jffus,  the  au- 
thor and  finijher  of  my  faith,  who  for  the  joy  which 
was  fet  before  him,  endured  the  crofs,  defpifed  the 
Jhame,  and  is  fet  down  at  the  right  hand  of  GOD — 
endured  the  crofs  ! — defpifed  the  (hame  ! — And 
fhall  the  difciple  defire  to  be  above  his  mailer  ? 
Shall  I  ever  fhun  the  crofs  ?  or  dread  the  fhame  ? 
GOD  forbid  !  For  it  is  only  on  condition  that 
we  fuffer  with  him,  that  we  fhall  alfo  reign  with 
him.  At  T.'s  to-day  there  was  a  gracious  melt- 
ing in  the  congregation  ;  and  the  profpect  of  a 
good  work  on  the  hearts  of  many.  I  then  rode 
to  Mr.  F.'s  ;  and  the  untaught  audience  felt  the 
weight  of  divine  truth.  Mr.  F.  has  been  under 
religious  impreflions  amongft  the  Nicholites,  but 
fuflers  fpiritual  lofs  by  the  want  of  more  for- 
titude. 

Friday  2.  I  preached  a  funeral  fermon  on 
Nanticoke  river  \  and  we  had  a  very  folemn  fea- 
fon. 


(     348     ) 

Lord's-day  4.  I  was  greatly  affifted  in  my 
public  exercife,  though  my  body  was  afflicted 
with  a  fever.  After  preaching  twice,  I  rode  to 
Mr.  WJs,  and  enjoyed  confolation  in  my  foul ; 
though  at  prefent  there  is  but  a  fmall  profpect 
of  my  being  permitted  to  preach  long  in  this 
land,  with  a  clear  confcience.  But  to  defile  the 
confcience,  would  be  doing  evil  that  good  may 
come  j  which  I  look  upon  as  a  dangerous,  yea, 
a  diabolical  fentiment ;  and  therefore  can  never 
think  of  indulging  it.  My  confcience  muft  be 
kept  void  of  offence  towards  GOD,  as  well  as 
towards  man.  I  am  defirous  to  do  what  I -can 
for  the  falvation  of  the  immortal  fouls,  which  in- 
hdbit  America ;  but  if  Providence  (hould  permit 
men  to  prevent  me,  then  I  am  clear  ;  and  muft 
labour  where  the  door  is  open. 

Thurfday  8.  I  found  fome  religious  feelings 
in  the  congregation  at  G.'s;  but  dead,  dead 
times  at  Z.'s.  And  I  was  fo  unwell,  as  to  be  un- 
der the  neceffity  of  fitting  down  to  teach  the  peo- 
ple. I  returned  very  ill,  and  was  unable  to 
preach  on  the  Lord's-day. 

Lord's-day  18.  My  body  has  laboured  under 
affliction  all  the  week  ;  and  Satan  has  buffeted 
me  with  heavy  temptations.  I  have  been  much 
tempted  to  impatience,  and  to  fay,  (hew  where- 
fore thou  contended  me?  But  mall  the  clay  com- 
plain in  the  hand  of  the  potter  ?  Lord,  fupport 
me,  and  enable  me  to  refill  the  devil,  that  he  may 
flee  from  me !  This  was  a  very  folemn  day  in  the 
great  congregation,  and  I  felt  unufual  power  in 
preaching  on  Ac"ts  xx.  27.  I  left  the  people  un- 
der the  effects  of  what  they  had  heard  and  felt ; 
and  then  returned  to  Mr.  W.'s.  Blefs  the  Lord, 
O  my  foul  j  and  all  that  is  within  me,  praife  his 
holy  name ! 

Friday 


(     349     ) 

Friday  23.  My  indifpof.ticn  ftii!  deavefh  ro 
my  (battered  frame.  But  myfpirit  is  for  the  mofb 
part  pacific  and  calm,  though  much  tempted. 
Lord,  grant  me  patience  and  refigna'ion  on  ail 
occafions;  that  while  I  am  a  living  man,  I  ir.ay 
never  complain  ! 

Tuefday  27.  My  foul  was  impreflfed  with  a 
deeper  fenfe  of  the  prefence  and  purity  of  GOD. 
.And  I  felt  determined  tc  be  more  circumfpecx 
and  watchful  in  every  part  cf  my  conduct.  But 
what  are  all  the  refolutions  of  man  without  the 
jgrace  of  GOD!  And  will  GOD  withhold  his 
grace,  without  any  fault  in  us  ?  By  no  means — 
He  hath  encouraged  us  to  a(k,  by  prdmifing  that 
we  (hall  receive,  if  we  do  net  aft:  amifs. — Lord-, 
help  me  to  fulfil  all  my  covenant-engagements, 
that  I  may  have  refpett  to  every  precept  of  thy 
righteous  law,  and  in  all  things  do  according  to 
thy  holy  will.  I  fpent  pait  of  this  day  in  read- 
ings but  a  fever  and  pains  produced  a  reftlcls 
night. 

Thurfday  29.  I  fpeke  with  feme  animation  at 
i-'G.'s,  and  moil  of  the  congregation  felt  the  weigh': 
cf  divine  truths. 

Friday  30.  I  put  the  fociety  in  fome  order  at 
L.ys,  turning  out  the  diforderly  members  •,  which 
always  are  a  weight  and  a  curfe  to  any  religious 
community.  Saint  Paul  faid  to  the  Corinthians 
(though  alluding  to  only  one  diforderly  perfon  a- 
mong  them) -Know  yg  not  thai  a  little  leaven  leaven- 
-eth  the  whole  lump  f  1  Cor.  v.  6.  And  the  anger 
of  the  Lord  was  kindled  againfl:  Ifrael,  for  the:  co- 
vetoufnefs  of  Achan,  who  then  dwelt  amongfh 
them.  Jofh.  vii.  j.  And  who  can  tell  how  often 
the  Lord  is  difpleafed  with  his  church,  for  the 
-wickednefs  of  fome  of  its  m  bers  ?  No  doubt 
>but  this  frequently  checks  the  fpirrtual  progrefs 
G  g  of 


(     35°     ) 

of  the  righteous;  e'fpecially  if  ungodly  members 
are  known,  and  not  dealt  with  according  to  the 
gofpel.  .1  fpoke  plainly  and  clofely  to  the  people, 
and  there  was  fome  moving  of  the  Holy  Spirit  a- 
mongtl  them.  But  alas  !  I  am  not  yet  fo  devout, 
fpiritual,  and  heavenly  as  I  ought  to  be.  Neither 
do  I  feel  that  burning  Jove  to  GOD  which  I  want 
to  feel.  What  fmall  returns  do  I  make,  after  my 
late  vifitations  of  judgment  and  mercy  !  I  may 
well  fay  of  myfelf,  ah  I  ungrateful  wretch  !  May 
the  Lord  help  me  to  be  always  mending ! 

LordVday  Nov.  i.  After  I  had  preached?, 
funeral  fermon,  at  which  the  hearts  of  many  were 
powerfully  wrought  upon,  I  returned  to  T.  W.'ss 
making  twenty  miles  in  the  whole,  and  lectured 
in  the  evening;  and  then  lay  me  down  and  flept 
in  peace. 

Wednefday  4.  There  was  fome  melting  among 
the  people  at  T.'s,  and  a  profpecl  of  a  work  of 
grace.  On  Thurfday  I  felt  deep  workings  of  heart, 
but  was  much  taken  up  with  GOD  in  prayer.  I 
rode  to  ^uanflco.  and  found  no  want  of  any 
thing  there,  but  religion.  I  then  returned  to  Suf- 
fex,  and  found  my  fpirit  at  liberty  in  preaching  to 
thcfe  untaught  people,  who  behaved  with  feriouf- 
nefs  and  attention. 

Monday  9.  I  rode  to  T.  W\%\  and  cannot 
help  efteeming  his  houfe  as  my  temporary  home  ; 
though  I  meet  with  more  fpiritual  trials,  than  in 
conftant  travelling.  Lord,  point  out  my  way, 
and  (hew  me  what  thou  wouldft  have  me  to  do  ! 
Saturday.  14.  I  have  fpent  this  week  in  read- 
ing and  private  exercifes  ;  and  have  been  much 
indifpofed  in  my  body.  But,  glory  to  GOD  !  I 
have  been  favoured  with  fome  accefs  to  his  gra- 
cious prefcnce,  and  felt  ftrong  defires  to  be  abafed 
as  in  ihe  duft  before  him. 

LordVday 


(     3?'     ) 

Lords-clay  15.     This   morning  I  felt  very  un- 
well, but   ventured   to  fct  our  for    my  appoint- 
ment twenty  miles  off;  and  found  both  my 
and  mind  ftrengthened   far  beyond  my 
lion. 

Monday  16V  I  preached  to  a  few  poor  people 
at  W.  icYs,  and  then  returned  to  my  temporary 
'home,  in  a  much  better  ftate  of  health  than 
when  I  went  out.  Thus  is  my  life  at  prefent  che- 
quered ;  I  come  home  and  grow  fick,  then  go  out 
and  grow  better  ;  and  return  to  meet  affliction 
again.  So  the  Lord  is  pleafed  to  deal  with  me, 
to  keep  my  fpirit  down. — Father  of  mercies,  let 
thy  will  be  done  Y  I  am  thine,  and'  fubrfiit  to  be 
dealt  with  according  to  thy  pleafure. 

Wetlnefday  18.  My  foul  was  much  devoted  to 
GOD.  I  fpent  part  of  the  day  in  vifiting  the  fick, 
and  then  returning  I  preached  in  the  evening, 
with  much  liberty,  at  E.  W.'s, 

Thursday  19.  Having  had  much  time  on 
hands,  I  have  endeavoured  to  improve  it  by  en- 
riching my  underflanding  with  religious  know- 
ledge, and  by  frequent,  earnefr.  prayer  to  Almighty 
GOD,  that  he  may  enrich  my  heart  with  all  the 
graces  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  I  have  lately  read 
through  the  firfl  volume  of  ZX's  paraphrafe,  and 
am  now  waiting  for  fuiRcient  health,  and  a  pro- 
per opportunity,  to  turn  out  and  labour  in  the 
field  which  is  white  for  haryeft.  But  alas !  lean- 
not  think  that  I  grow  in  grace  as  I  increafe  in 
knowledge.  Come,  dear  Lord,  come  quickly  in- 
to my  panting  foul,  and  by  thy  gracious  beams 
transform  my  whole  foul  into  thy  divine  likenefs, 
that  I  may  fhine  in  all  the  image  of  Chritl  Jefus  ! 

Dr.  Z>.'s  critical  nores  and  improvements  are 
excellent,  inftruclive,  and  beautiful ;  well  calcu- 
lated for  forming  the  minds  of  young  preachers  ; 

to 


(     352     ) 

to  prevent  wild  and  unwarrantable  e*poGticm^ 
OiCii  as  Tome  are  apt  to  give.  Pic  muft  have  been 
a  man  of  extenfive  reading  and  learning. 

Lord's-day  22.  Some  fouls  were  affe&ed  while 
x  was  preaching  on  1  Cor.  vi.  19,  20  ;  and  in 
clafs-mectingthe  members  of  fociety  were  great- 
1"  quickened.  But  it  is  matter  of  lamentation  to 
me,  that  I  do  not  glorify  GCD  more  perfedly. 
On  Monday  I  read  D/s  paraphrafe,  and  admire 
fiis  fpmt,  fenfe,  and  ingenuity  j  though  I  difagree- 
with  him,  in  refpe&  to  the  unconditional  perfe- 
verance  of  faints.  That  this  dod/ine  has  a  per- 
nicious influence  on  the  condua  of  many,  is  be- 
yond ail  doubt.  And  a  man  muft  live  much  a- 
bove  his  principle?,  to  be  client  and  faithful,, 
under  the  perfuafion  of  fuch  a  ftupifying  and  dan- 
gerous fentiment. 

Thurfday  26.    My  mind  has  lately  been  much 
n  up  with  GOD,  and  J  have  frequently  ftrug- 
gJed,   and  wreftled,  afttd  pleaded  for  more  of  the 
J  nature. 

*f  Bid  me  in  thy  image. rife, 

"  A  faint,  a  creature  new  j 

True,  and  merciful,  and  wife* 

"  And  pure,  and  happy  too. 
-k    this  thy  primitive  defigri, 

"  That  I  fhould  in  thee  be  bled  ; 
"  Should  within  the  arms  divine, 

"  For  ever,  ever  reft." 

Friday  27.  I  am  much  delighted  in  reading 
the  fecond  volume  of  iX's  paraphrafe,  and  am  oc- 
cupied with  various  exercifes  ;  and  my  foul  en- 
joys fweet  peace-  But  all  this  is  not  travelling 
and  preaching  at  large,  for  the  falvation  of  fouls. 
Lord,  when  fhall  I  return  to  my  beloved  employ- 
ment ; 


(     353     ) 

mefit  j  and  be  every  day  calling  the  gofpel  net, 
to  bring  fouls  to  the  expanded  arms  of  the  wil- 
iin;:  Saviour  ? 

LordVday  29.  We  had  a  large  audience,  and 
a  very  folemn  rime,  at  JVs.  I  then  returned  and 
featured  at  E.  W.*s. 

Thurfday  December  3.  Under  fome  ground- 
lefs  apprehenfions,  I  fet  out  for  Somerfet,  My 
foul  poured  out  abundant  prayer  by  the  way  \ 
and  the  Lord,  by  his  providence,  conducted  me 
iii  fafety. 

Tuefday  8.  After  my  little  excurfion  to  Broad- 
creek,  and  its  adjacent  parts,  I  returned  ;  and 
notwithstanding  all  the  foreboding  apprehenfions 
of  my  mind,  no  perfon  offered  me  the  fmaileft 
infuit. 

"Wednefday  9.  My  mind  was  kept  in  a  calm 
Serenity  ;  but  as  I  did  not  enjoy  fuch  deep  com- 
munion with  GOD,  as  my  foul  was  favoured  with 
in  the  courfe  cf  the  lafl  week,  I  was  much  abafed 
in  my  own  eyes.  Though  upon  the  whole,  my 
obligations  to  praife  and  magnify  the  Lord  are  ve- 
ry great  ;  and  may  his  grace  preferve  me  from 
every  degree  cf  ingratitude  ! 

Friday  11.  As  brother  //.  is  incapable  of 
travelling,  there  feems  to  be  a  neccdity  for  my  go- 
ing to  M.'s.  I  have  endeavoured,  and  do  (till  en- 
deavour to  improve  my  time  by  prayer,  medita- 
tion, and  reading  ;  but  I  cannot  omit  any  oppor- 
tunity of  preaching,  not  knowing  how  foon  my 
liberty  or  life  may  come  to  a  final  period.  Or* 
Saturday,  I  met  the  children  and  the  black  people, 
and  found  fome  gracious  movings  among  them. 

Lord's-day  13.  "With  much  freedom  of  fpirir* 
I  preached  at  is.  W.%  on  thefe  words,  fo  applica- 
ble to  thoufands,  But  they  made  light  of  it,  and 
went  their  ways,  one.  to  his  farm,  and  another  to  his 

merchandize  ; 


(     354     ) 

merchandize  :  and  the  remnant  took  his  fervant$> 
and  entreated  them  fpiiefull^  end  flew  them.  The 
word,  attended  by  the  grr.ee  of  GOD,  wrought 
on  the  underflandings  of  fome,  and-  on  the  af- 
fections of  others.- 

Tuefday  [5.  The  Lord  blefTed  rnewhhfweet 
peace;  though  teo  much  company  interrupted 
my  private  meditations  and  ftu-dy.  It  feemsas  if 
I  mud  commit  rnyfeif  to  divine  Providence,  and 
go  forth  to  declare  the  glad  tidings  of  falvation  to 
the  children  of  men  ;  left  others  mould  follow  my 
example  of  a  partial  filence^  without  fuihxient 
€aufe. 

Thurfday  17.  I  have  ended  the  fourth  volume 
of  Mr.  Doddridge's  paraphrafe.  He  fets  the  a- 
poftle  off  to  the  greatefl:  advantage,  on  the  two 
epiftles  to  the  Corinthians.  My  foul  has  been 
grievoufiy  exercifed  by  temptations  to  impatience 
and  difcontent.  With  the  greateft  proprie*  =  Sei 
Ptw.l  exhorted  Tifnothvt  to  war  a  good  tvarfar'ei 
A  warfare  indeed  !  How  powerful  and  fubtle  our 
enemies  !  And  it  is  very  remarkable,  that  all  the' 
addrefTes  to  the  (even  churches  of  Afia>  conclude; 
with  a  promife  to  them  that  overcome.  Lord,' 
help  me  to  Hand  in  the  evil  day,  fortified  with 
faith,  meeknefs,  patience,  and  love;  that  con^ 
quering  every  foe,  by  thy  almighty  aid,  I  may  at 
lad  eat  of  the  tree  of  life  which  is  in  the  midft  of 
the  paradife  of  GOD  ! 

Friday  18.  I  am  not  altogether  what  I  wHh' 
to  be,  and  am- much  tempted  by -Satan:  never- 
thelcfs  the  Lord  is  my  portion  and  my  fupport. 
My  labours  are  (till  in  fome  meafure  circumfenb-' 
ed,  fo  that  I  generally  preach  or  exhort  but  about 
three  times  a  week.  Lord,  let  not  my  weaknefs, 
timidity,  or  unfaithfulnefs,  provoke  thee  to  lay  me 
afide  as  a  broken  inftrumenty  as  fit  for  little  or 

no 


(     355     ) 

*o  fervice  !  But  for  twenty  months  before  thefe 
troublefome  times  fully  came,  I  forefaw  the  pro- 
bability of  them,  and  was  much  ftirred  up  to  rely 
upon  GOD,  and  prepare  for  the  vvorft.  There 
h  ecu-  an  appointment  for  me  to  go  to  Kent  in 
Delaware,  and  my  hope  ic,  that  the  Lord  will 
fortify  and  blefs  me  in  my  labours, 

LordVday  20.  After  preaching  at  LJs,  I  re- 
turns 1  and  lectured  at  T.  W"*$  ;  and  on  Monday 
few  brother  W- — n,  who  informed  me  of  rhc 
p^ofperity  of  the  work,  which  far  exceeds  my  ex- 
pectation. Although  the  labourers  are  driven 
from  place  to  place,  yet  it  feems  the  Lord  will 
fcelp  us  in  his  own  way  and  time. 

Wednefday  23*  My  temptations  yefterday 
were  very  heavy  and  troublefome  ;  but  to-day 
my  foul  overflowed  with  gratitude  to  GOD.  I 
have  lately  obferved  the  ftrong  propenfity  in  chil- 
dren to  lie,. and  feen  how  the  Lord  kept  me  from 
that  and  many  other  abominations,  from  my  ear- 
Jv  days, 

«  In  all  my  ways  thy  hand  1  own, 
"  Thy  ruling  providence  I  fee  ; 
"  O  help  me  {till  my  courfe  to  run, 
"  And  itill  direct  my  paths  to  thee/' 

M;*  foul  has  been  much  quickened  by  reading  the 
Memoirs  of  Mr.  D.  who  was  a  man  of  great  piety, 
and  ftric~t  devotion  to  GOD.  There  is  fomething 
peculiarly  animating  in  the  lives  of  holy  men  ; 
for  in  their  experience,  we  fee  the  veracity  of 
GOD  in  fulfilling  his  gracious  promifes  ;  and  in 
their  holy  tempers  and  godly  conduct,  we  fee  the 
polTibility  of  complying  with  the  precepts  of  the 
gofpel :  therefore,  in  the  perufal  of  fuch-  tracts, 

we 


(  ^  } 

we  feel  an  increafing  appetite  for  more  pure  and 
undefiled  religion. 

Thurfday  24.  This  being  the  day  for  com- 
memorating the  Saviour's  birth,  I  preached  at 
£.  TVSs  with  much  inward  freedom  ;  though  the 
audience  were  not  greatly  moved. 

I  have  lately  begun  to  read,  for  the  firil  time, 
Mr.  Hervey's  celebrated  dialogues  ;  and  cannot 
but  obfervc  his  laboured  endeavours  to  eftablifh 
the  doclrine  of  "  the  imputed  righteoufnefs  of 
Chrirt."  He  feems  to  make  it  equal,  at  lea  ft,  to 
the  two  grand  commands  of  our  Lord.  And  why 
.not  fuperfede  them  ?  But  Providence  has  brought 
forth  that  eminent  man,  Mr.  John  Fletcher,  to 
manage  this  fubjetl:  ;  whofe  language  appears  to 
be  more  natural,  and  lefs  itudied  than  Mr.  Her- 
i-ffs,  and  yet  in  no  refpecl  inferior  :  and  his  ar- 
guments are  inconteflible,  carrying  their  own 
conviclion  with  them.  But  of  this,  let  the  public 
judge. 

Saturday  26.  I  intended  to  fet  out  for  my  ap- 
pointment in  Kent,  but  a  great  fnow  prevented 
me. 

Tuefday  29.  I  have  generally  read  of  late  a- 
bout  a  hundred  pages  a  day,  in  Herveys  Dia- 
logues, the  lives  of  Gilbert,  Harper,  Langjlon, 
Brainard,  &c.  But  alas  !  how  is  my  foul  abafed. 
It  is  my  deliberate  opinion,  that  1  do  the  leafl 
food  in  the  church  of  Chrift,  of  any  that  I  know, 
and  believe  "to  be  divinely  moved  to  preach  the 
gofpel.  How  am  I  difpleafed  with  myfelf  !  Lor45 
in  mercy  help,  or  I  am  undone  indeed  ! 


THE    END    04F    THE    FIRST    VOLUME. 


